11 great benefits of ERP systems

You know that you should implement an ERP system because there are a variety of benefits. You've heard that it can increase efficiency, improve productivity, reduce costs, speed up processes, reduce mistakes and duplication, and generally make life and work easier. But aren't these the same justifications all salespeople use, whether for coffee machines or software?

Let's break down everything an ERP can do for you and your business, and you can decide for yourself whether ERP is just talk or a necessary investment with amazing benefits.

1. everything becomes more efficient

It is a solution that integrates all the departments and functions of your company into a single system that can serve all the specific needs of the different departments. It helps users navigate complex processes and improves for functions like production, ordering and delivery. It's a flexible coordination tool that allows you to grow and remain agile while taking ever greater leaps into the future. The system eliminates repetitive administrative processes, prevents re-entry of data and greatly reduces the need to input information manually. It will also streamline your business processes and make it easier for your company to collect and analyze data more efficiently, regardless of the department involved. Can it make coffee more efficiently? No (not yet anyway), but it will speed up everything else so you can take longer coffee breaks.

2. you get a better look into the future 

The ERP system's enterprise resource planning features provide users, and especially management, with tools to create more accurate forecasts. Because the information within the system is so accurate and up-to-date, your business can make more realistic estimates and more effective forecasts more quickly.

3. it's a great remedy for growing pains

Time goes by so fast. It seems like only yesterday you were a few friends getting together to invest in your great idea, crammed into a simple office only marginally bigger than a closet. Now you're a company with tons of employees, departments, project teams, systems and processes. Great fun! Until you realize that somewhere during this rapid evolution, everyone in the business started working differently in different systems.

The finance department has no insight into what the salespeople are doing, management is working with different data than the project team, and in the end, one of your customers is annoyed and wonders if the right hand knows what the left hand is doing. With an ERP system, all processes, routines, flows, etc. are streamlined. Everyone in the business works with the same data, in the same way, has access to the same insights and can share everything in real time. The ERP system gives you a common truth that allows you to grow painlessly and make all parts work in harmony with each other.

4. Goodbye duplication!

If you knew how much time is wasted when data is duplicated over and over again in the flow from idea to customer, you would probably want to stop the time. Not to mention constantly entering the same information manually. Then you run the risk of it becoming like the whispering game where data starts to get distorted and miscommunicated after a while. With automated processes and routines, things can be done quickly. Time and resources can be spent on better things and the information remains accurate throughout the flow.

5. cost savings

How good are you at math? Here's an equation worth taking a closer look at: automated processes + shared and accurate data in real time + faster and more accurate forecasts and decisions + smoother collaboration - disruptions - delays - unclear communication = big savings.

6. Better security

With a single, integrated system, you have all the tools you need for high data security. With a cloud solution, such as Visma.net, your data is also securely stored on a central server with robust back-up functions. The system is also easy to customize according to who should have access to which data. With a good supplier, you don't have to keep track of all the laws and regulations, the system and your supplier ensure that everything is updated and in line with current regulations.

7. Adjustable suit

ERP systems are scalable and configurable. It's easy to add new users, features, capabilities and third-party solutions as your business grows and your needs change. You don't have to get a whole new solution just because you happen to be doing well and you find new markets. The business system suit is made of spandex, very flexible and moves smoothly with your every move.

8. quick reports

The ERP makes reporting easier, faster and more customizable. With improved reporting capabilities, your business can respond more easily to complex data requests. What's more, users can run their own reports without having to chase IT staff for help, saving them time that can be spent on more useful things.

9. customer benefit

Your customers have high expectations for the way they are treated throughout the buying journey. They expect a streamlined experience that's consistent whether they're talking to someone in a store or office, ordering online, checking on their delivery status, contacting support, or getting recommendations. This means that every part of your business needs a centralized data and communication tool so that everyone, regardless of department, can see the customer's relevant and current communications, transaction history, preferences, service history, etc. Nothing makes a customer happier than being noticed and treated professionally.

10. mobility

There are many old phrases that end up in the dustbin of history, such as "Let's go rent a video" or "I'll just fax this". Now the classic "I have to go to the office and fix something" is heading there too. Having solutions and tools locked to one place simply no longer works in our mobile era. If you want to work smart and efficiently, you need to have what you need for your job with you on your phone, tablet or laptop. A cloud-based ERP system, such as Visma.net, is web-based and accessible from anywhere. This facilitates remote working, travel, client meetings, collaboration and much more.

11. Staying one step ahead

Investing in an ERP system may cost money, but you know what costs even more? Not keeping up. Those in your industry who think "We're doing what we've always done, it's worked in the past" will inevitably miss out on some benefits. Among other things, there are many efficiency benefits, time savings, insights, synergies and above all the customer benefits that the system brings. Don't be the dinosaur in your field, be the pioneer.