ERP implementation success checks

Upgrading your business management software system is going to require some changes. These changes will lead to improved efficiency and an optimized workflow, but in order for them to take effect it's recommended that you perform some success checks to ensure the ERP implementation is going well. 

Is your team still onboard with the new system?
Sometimes a team member or even a whole department can go back to a legacy system or a certain set of practices because it's what they're used to doing. Even if they're more comfortable with the old system, they need to understand that the new ERP software is best for the business as a whole. The sooner it's implemented and adopted, the sooner the whole company can enjoy its many benefits.

If a user is not onboard with the new system, that can lead to issues with data standards. It's essential for each employee to use the same set of standards when inputting and applying information. Otherwise, it could lead to efficiency issues similar to the ones experienced on your legacy system.

Is everyone getting the necessary training?
Comprehensive training is part of the implementation process that is often overlooked. Focus on training when rolling out a new system, so that every user is comfortable with it. Remember that not everyone has the same learning style, so be flexible and adapt educational content and delivery for your team's benefit.

Is everyone performing?
Train with new scenarios so your team will be able to apply what they learned in the field. Doug Howardell of the ACA Group recommended setting quantifiable goals and defining success will go a long way toward making sure the software is properly deployed and the enterprise is seeing the many benefits. 

Aaron Continelli of Business.com wrote, "with proper training, full buy-in, stakeholder support, and a clear message, it can be a fruitful endeavor that helps springboard a company to a better, more streamlined, and more productive manner of operation." 

At Accent Software, we help small to medium enterprises implement ERP systems so they can centralize data, optimize workflow and operative at maximum efficiency. We're there through the whole process, from planning through implementation and support. Contact us to learn more about the many ways we can help.

Is your business management software agile?

Agility is not just for athletes. In the business world, agility means the ability to respond rapidly to changes in environment, both internal and external. Agile enterprise resource planning software allows a business to rapidly create new products and services in response to market changes, reported Stewart Florsheim of Manufacturing Business Technology. An agile ERP system is a dynamic tool for a growing business that's looking for a competitive edge. 

Deal with the curveballs
ERP software needs to allow agile decision-making. As Tom Miller of ERP Focus stated, "Real life is constantly throwing curve balls at any business (and any part of that business). Agility requires that wherever that curve ball is aimed, the people being targeted have excellent decision-making tools."

Make the right decisions, right now
With agile ERP, employees at your company have access to the same data, which is updated in real-time. As a central hub for business intelligence, agile ERP is easily updated, so decision-makers have all the relevant data at their fingertips. Everyone, from upper executive leadership to sales to production, has the confidence to make the right decision when faced with an important issue. 

Mix and match modules
Agile ERP is modular and adaptable, so you can add features and tools as you need them and leave the ones you don't need. As your business grows, so does your business management software

Microsoft Dynamics NAV is a flexible, agile ERP system that helps small manufacturers operate efficiently and make quick decisions using real-time data. Accent Software's team has been helping small businesses implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV for over 15 years. Contact us to learn more about this software, and the many ways your team will be thankful for it.

ERP helps the Navy operate with efficiency and transparency

The Navy uses a sophisticated enterprise resource planning system to operate efficiently. The business management software helps the Navy maintain accurate data, foster transparency and provide reliable information for decision-making.

Finances and supply chain
ERP keeps the Navy's business operations streamlined. With funding coming from taxpayers, it's important for the military wing to use this funding wisely. ERP software's robust accounting tools allows the Navy's business enterprise group to properly track, monitor and budget its resources to benefit American taxpayers. 

The Navy's ERP program website states, "The integration of financial and supply solutions on a single platform provides real-time data access and decision support to the Navy Enterprise."

By allowing every department access to real-time information, the Navy can operate and adapt with maximum agility. The Navy's vision is to use the advanced business management software to properly manage its most important worldwide resources: people, supply and financials. 

In 2014, Navy ERP took over for the Material Financial Control System, the last of its legacy business management program, according to GCN. Officials called the new ERP system "a major step toward converting the Navy's business affairs into one updated, standardized, interconnected system that will also assist in the Navy's efforts to support its warfighters."

ERP support contract
The Navy recently announced it will award a multi-vendor contract of over $147 to help run the naval ERP systems, supporting Naval Supply Systems Command Business Center. The winning vendors will help the Navy further enhance its already robust ERP systems. 

At Accent Software, we help you every step of the way towards implementing an ERP system that makes accounting and supply chain tasks more efficient. Contact us to get started. 

ERP in the news: college students develop ERP, save their school time and money

ERP software can streamline processes and save time for many kinds of businesses. All organizations rely on data to make decisions, and managing this data accurately and efficiently can vastly improve outcomes. Two students at India's Bharti Vidyapeeth College of Engineering have developed their own enterprise resource planning software for use in admissions, and the whole school is enjoying savings, reported Priyank Pamkar for PaGaLGuy, India's largest education community. 

Akshay Bhosale and Karan Patwardhan, like many BVCOE students, were frustrated by the lack of centralization from the administration. The campus is spread apart across several acres, and with no centralized information hub, students and administrators would often have to walk across campus in order to complete standard administrative tasks like applying for a course.

These two students decided to improve their college's disorganized admission process. Using internal resources from the school, the students developed an ERP system that organized admissions data for students, faculty and staff.

The program has worked so well that it's been adopted throughout the college, not just admissions. Now the community has access to a central hub for all of their important data, and it's simplifying processes throughout campus. One administrator proclaimed that "with this ERP, the flaws in managing important administration processes like fee collection, library books, admission list etc are nearly minimal." 

For even more robust ERP services, you can count on Accent Software to help implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV software, which centralizes data, optimizes workflow and helps your enterprise operative at maximum efficiency. Whatever your industry, the right business management software solution can help you manage logistics and make strong decisions with accurate data. Contact us to see how we can help your enterprise.

Maximizing your data stream with ERP

The value of your enterprise resource planning software can be determined by the data it holds and the insight you can draw from it. It's not just about quantity, but quality as well. How well does your data contribute to the decision-making process? How well does your legacy system track it? Business management software such as ERP allows your enterprise to make the most of this vital data stream, and apply it to your strategy. 

Establishing and maintaining standards
Without set standards, it would be challenging to keep accurate data and properly use it. In many legacy systems, different departments track information using different terms. Rick Carlton of ERP Focus wrote that modern ERP systems drive this standardization, improving data integrity by eliminating redundancies, errors or inconsistencies. 

Real-time analysis
ERP business management software provides real-time data, allowing your team to access the most up to date information. This provides the opportunity to react quickly to market changes, implement critical solutions and make accurate predictions for your orders. 

Mobility
With businesses becoming increasingly data-driven, there is more opportunity for workers to take advantage of mobile devices, wrote Sashi Reddi of CSC. In the manufacturing industry, workers using a modern ERP system can access real-time data on their phones and tablets while out on the manufacturing floor or meeting with vendors. 

ERP software helps you capture and use data more effectively,benefiting every aspect of your business. Take the opportunity to learn more about Accent Software and how our business management software solutions can help your enterprise. 

Postmodern ERP and what it means for your business

Since Gartner first coined the term "enterprise resource planning" in 1990, the technology has evolved to offer more robust services with increasing degrees of flexibility. Originally, only large enterprises used ERP software, but over time the market for SMB ERP has grown, where now small businesses can enjoy a modular suite of business management software tools. This is know as postmodern ERP. 

The next generation
Sam Pudwell of IT Pro Portal referred to postmodern ERP as a strategy that features "implementing a mixture of cloud and on-premise applications that are better able to meet an organization's needs while still providing them a greater degree of agility and flexibility." In other words, this is next generation of ERP solutions.

Legacy systems
If you're still relying on a legacy ERP program, you're missing out. The more outdated these systems become, the more headaches your team will endure. Legacy systems have limited functionality compared to postmodern ERP software, and they are not as adaptable for your growing business. Furthermore, it's increasingly difficult to find certified professionals who can fix your outdated system when it inevitably breaks down. Most importantly, new ERP systems are far more robust, and can save you time and money. 

Flexibility
Whatever industry you're in, chances are there are ERP platforms that are specially suited for your needs. For instance, Microsoft Dynamics NAV is the ERP of choice for manufacturing companies. Postmodern ERP software is modular, meaning enterprises can pick and choose portions that work for them, making it more affordable and effective. 

If you're reading this to replace your outdated legacy system with a newer, more powerful manufacturing business software solution, contact Accent Software. We will walk you through the full process, from planning, to training, to post-implementation. 

Government utilities and defense fuel ERP market growth

It's no secret that business management software helps enterprises manage their data, optimize processes and run more efficiently. The market for manufacturing software systems is growing on a global level as more businesses implement this powerful software tool. 

New research published by Grand View Research indicates that the global enterprise resource planning software market is growing thanks in part to government utilities, defense contractors and aerospace firms. These sectors all benefit from the streamlined workflows and centralized data that ERP software brings. As noted in Press Release Rocket, ERP software "can lead to reduction of raw material cost by around 15 percent  and inventory cost by 25 percent to 30 percent. Furthermore, it also leads to augmented profitability for a firm, hence driving the overall demand for ERP market." 

Overall, the global ERP software industry contributed over $27 million in 2014. Medium enterprises made up over 40 percent of the ERP market. Small to medium-sized enterprises benefit from the reduced production costs and on-time production delivery, which help growing businesses remain agile as they scale up. Although North America made up over 40 percent of the market, analysts saw particularly high growth in Brazil, China and India. 

Cloud computing is expected to facilitate future market growth, according to Grand View Research. Cloud computing makes data storage easier for small to medium-sized companies, so they don't have to store their information in on-premise servers. Other factors for continued growth will be large ERP firms buying smaller software companies, penetration of emerging markets and ERP portfolios expanding to serve new verticals. 

Accent Software can help implement an ERP system that organizes data, optimizes workflow and has an enterprise running at maximum efficiency. Contact us to learn more about the many ways we can help.

ERP in the news: Coal India

India's Business Standard reported that Coal India, a state-owned mining enterprise, is implementing enterprise resource planning software to bring "efficiency, greater transparency, transformation and consumer friendly approach."

Coal India Chairman Sutirtha Bhattacharya made the ERP system a priority, and put it on the fast track. Coal India's legacy program, CoalNet, has limited functionality and uses obsolete technology, therefore a modern business management software program is crucial to integrate every aspect of its operations into one centralized system. Over the years, the coal mining industry has become more complex, with large equipment purchases and increased logistics requirements. These developments make a centralized information system essential for decision-making and continued prosperity.

The group hired Management Development Institute to consult on ERP implementation, training and data migration. MDI will also consult Coal India on their ERP choice. Coal India will continue to use CoalNet until the new system is fully implemented and the data migration is complete. In related news, Coal India has also added GPS devices to its trucks, in order to receive accurate delivery data for logistics. In the era of Big Data, companies are harnessing more information than ever. ERP software can manage, organize and use that data to operate more efficiently, keeping companies ahead of the competition. 

Locally, you can count on Accent Software to help implement ERP systems that centralize data, optimize workflow and help your enterprise operative at maximum efficiency. Whatever your industry, the right business management software solution can help you manage logistics and make strong decisions with accurate data. Contact us to learn more about the many ways we can help.

Giving small businesses an edge

Small to medium enterprises are often competing with larger organizations with greater resources. That doesn't mean they can't level the playing field using business management software. Shannon Williams of Biz Edge credited enterprise resource planning software for giving SMBs a competitive edge over their larger rivals. 

Improve scalability
Adapting to growth is a challenge for any enterprise, but it's especially critical for small businesses. With an ERP system, a growing business can integrate data, saving time and money. This makes it easier to ramp up efforts as an SMB takes on more clients. A cloud-based ERP in particular helps growing companies be more agile, because their data is no longer tied down to in-house hardware.

Integrate with CRM
As ERP centralizes data for all departments, it's made to integrate with customer relationship management platforms. This provides full visibility into customer behavior, allows teams to serve customers better and retain them. 

Provide automation
On a small team, each member has to wear many hats, performing a wide range of tasks to get the job done. An ERP system helps establish automated tasks, so team members can focus on their core responsibilities. Meanwhile, the automated tasks are carried out efficiently and without the chance of human error. 

Optimize workflow
Small businesses have to run leaner than their larger competitors, and ERP helps them do that. By putting workflow best practices in place, automating time-consuming tasks and eliminating waste, ERP software helps small businesses make the most out of their resources. 

Accent Software's team has been helping small businesses implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV for over 15 years. Contact us to learn more about this software, and the many ways your team will be thankful for it.

ERP training tips for success

Proper training is often overlooked when implementing a new business management software system. It's important to focus on training when rolling out a new system, so that every user is comfortable and successful using it. Iris Schimke of the ERP Software Blog has provided some tips on ways to make your ERP training more effective. 

Make training a priority

ERP training should be a priority for your team. Training sessions should be mandatory for all users and encouraged for non-users as well. Employees who don't attend training sessions are more likely to stick with legacy systems, which can undermine the new ERP software's success. 

Adapt to different learning styles

Not everyone learns the same way, so use different training methods. Some team members may learn better from typical classroom sessions, while others may prefer webinars or simulations. Adapting training content to different learning styles can ensure that everyone keeps up. 

Use real scenarios

Train with real scenarios so your employees will understand how to apply these new tasks and standards in their everyday roles. Whether your team is learning manufacturing software systems, business accounting systems or any other ERP functions, it's important to test them so they can see how these programs function in their respective roles. 

Keep it going

Training is not a one-time event. Provide ongoing training opportunities for your team, so they can stay up to date with new trends, functions or best practices. As ERP systems are always evolving with every industry, your team needs to keep up to date. It's also important to maintain a robust training program for new hires, so they can hit the ground running. 

At Accent Software, we can help you create a training plan to develop your users into experts, so you can be well on your way to enjoying the many ERP benefits. We're proud Microsoft business software partners, and we help SMBs use Microsoft Dynamics NAV for their business management software solutions. Contact us to learn more about the many ways we can help.