Warehouse Automation and Shipping Solution Software
What do you know about ERP Systems? Have you considered there might be factors from many different areas that could influence ERP system selection and implementation? On the plus side, are there even more benefits than you may be aware of? In this #USMfgHour chat we discussed how to be successful with an ERP System.
There are valid reasons to consider replacing your ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system—such as when the vendor discontinues support or the platform no longer meets your operational needs. However, before making a significant investment in a new system, it’s worth evaluating whether additional training, process improvements, or targeted enhancements to your existing ERP solution could deliver the results you need at a lower cost and with less disruption.
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In my years of Supply Chain and Technology Experience, one subject that always gets brought up with prospects and clients is the importance of upgrading. While I understand some reasons why people hold off, there are even more reasons to incorporate your software and technology updates into your annual plan or at least every other year.
While the importance of a stable, tested, and working software/hardware environment is absolutely critical, it is equally important to ensure you’re using technology that works with the latest databases, hardware, security systems, and services. Older technology can be subject to cyber-attacks and more. (Learn more about cyber security threats here.) Jumping straight into the latest and “greatest” technology is not always wise without a carefully thought-out plan. However, sticking with an older version of your ERP or WMS system prevents you from using more modern features, newer secure technology, and additional services you can offer your customers to keep up with the competition.
Let’s face it: software systems have various levels of functionality based on price points. Sometimes, you may outgrow the base package features. When this happens, a new implementation is inevitable, especially if the package does not have what you need and you’re spending thousands with a company to develop new features not already included. However, a brand-new implementation is not really necessary if you are consistently upgrading a product that continues to offer the latest updates. I’ve found, in general, that our clients who build in an annual or biennial upgrade process are happier on our system.
We add many new features with each build/update. We have also developed integrations with other specialized systems (EDI, Packaging Machines, Scales, Web Store Fronts, Various Shipping APIs, etc.). Rolling all those new features out to back-dated versions of the primary ERP System with which we work seamlessly is almost impossible. Customers using older versions of our WMS and the ERP Software cannot take advantage of significant new features and services that can directly resolve operational issues and streamline processes. Oddly enough, we’ve had clients who thought they outgrew the ERP and our WMS system who are still stuck in the implementation phase of a replacement product or those who abandoned the idea entirely and decided to upgrade with us after years of not having done so.
As your company grows, processes change, personnel evolves, and you start new initiatives. Combining an upgrade with analysis and updated training allows you to take your operations to a new level. This can mean expanding to new markets. For example, many of our clients have started working with Amazon®, and we can help them with their shipping and label requirements. We also have clients who increased their order volumes but utilized unnecessary manual processes outside our system. We worked with them to implement entirely paperless picking and automated additional processes. Last but not least, many of our manufacturing customers have increased their production and grew in the past year. For these customers, we helped implement even more wireless transactions and automation in their production processes, allowing their existing team members to become more efficient and use their time better.
In conclusion, upgrading your technology allows you to expand upon your current systems with additional helpful features rather than starting fresh. It also allows you a secure environment. This will save you time and money in the long run. Training personnel on a system they are already familiar with will be much easier. Staying consistently up to date with your ERP and WMS ensures you get the best modern technology to keep your operations running seamlessly and most efficiently. At DCSC, we update and add new features every couple of months and host free web sessions to review the updates with our customers. Here is a list of essential upgrades we have implemented over the years to help you understand why it is so important to stay up to date!
