Business leaders with a limited understanding of enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms might look at implementation as a "one-and-done" proposition. However, deployment and management of an ERP system is an ongoing process that requires continuous attention and review. 

One aspect of this is preventative maintenance, like software updates, routine checks and other anticipatory steps. Jennifer Lonoff Schiff of CIO Magazine cites failure to conduct these practices as one of the most common ERP mistakes enterprise leaders make. She quotes Marco Valencia, vice president, Upgrade Office, North America & Latin America, SAP America, Inc. to understand more about the consequences. Overall, neglecting maintenance causes an enterprise's investment in an ERP platform to lose value. 

"Customers not conducting preventative maintenance are not taking full advantage of their ERP investment and their maintenance dollars," said Valencia. "By not applying maintenance, their systems will quickly become obsolete (from a technical perspective) as will their business processes."

In order to enjoy the benefits of an ERP platform, business leaders need to maintain their systems for the best results. Without doing so, enterprises may find themselves in the same lacking position as they did before deployment. Because good ERP systems address many different aspects of the business, all of those areas will suffer when little attention is paid to maintenance and upkeep. A third party service provider with a high level of expertise can help enterprises stay on top of their routine, preventative and responsive maintenance needs. 

At Accent Software, we help enterprise navigate the selection, deployment and maintenance of ERP platforms that boost efficiency and optimize operations across the business model. Contact us today to learn more about our flexible solutions for resource planning.