Use ERP software to manage talent

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It's no secret that business management software can help your enterprise optimize workflows, centralize data and improve cross-departmental communications, but did you know that it can also help you recruit, manage and retain talented workers? That's because enterprise resource planning features  a number of functions that are very helpful for human resources and employee satisfaction.

Talent management
Brian Kalish of Employee Benefits News reported that a specialized group of developers who focused on talent management tools used to provide HR software. Many ERP providers saw these solutions as another way to provide value to growing businesses, and purchased these vendors or developed their own HR solutions. Now as a result, "many ERP vendors now provide end-to-end talent management solutions that meet the requirements of large, complex organizations." 

Payment automation
Suzanne Franco of IT Web reported that integrating payroll functions with ERP provides a more expansive view of the full business. In addition, ERP software brings automatic payments with calculated deductions and overtime, so employees are paid accurately and quickly. ERP software also helps the payroll team comply with any legal payroll requirements. 

Benefit elections
In an ERP system, employees can access all relevant information when they're making benefit decisions and their changes are reflected in real-time. Not only does this take more administrative roles out of HR's hands, allowing them to focus on recruitment and retention, but it empowers workers by helping them stay informed and take ownership of their benefits. 

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

Business management software empowers employees

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Every leader wants team members who are empowered, and able to take charge of their own domains within the organization. Enterprise resource planning software transforms businesses by putting employees in control of business intelligence and best practices. By accessing accurate, centralized data, your enterprise will be a more efficient organization with empowered employees. 

Cross-functional communications

When every department keeps its own records, assessing data from multiple groups is a challenge that wastes time and resources, and can hold an enterprise back. Developing a central hub for all data ensures that the information is relevant and the same standards are applied throughout the company. This knocks down walls between departments, fostering more open communication and improved decision-making. 

Production workflow

One of the many strengths of an ERP system is allowing your team to implement the most up-to-date, industry-specific best practices. Your team can review the full supply chain and make improvements wherever they're needed, to ensure the most efficient process. Tom Miller of ERP Focus noted that essential workflow data is updated in real-time, allowing your team to make smart decisions on the spot. 

ERP software puts more power in your employees' hands. ERP software puts more power in your employees' hands.

Human resources

ERP systems allow employees to access all the information they need when learning about their benefits, and this streamlines the benefit disbursement process. The program reflects changes in real-time rather than relying on the human resources team to implement them manually. This self-service takes more administrative work out of HR's hands, freeing them up for other tasks.

An ERP system like Microsoft Dynamics NAV can let your team can adopt a sophisticated system that leverages mobile technology. We're ready to walk you through the processes step by step to prepare your team to become more productive and empowered. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you deploy a state -of -the-art ERP system.

4 ways executives can support ERP implementation

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Enterprise resource planning software acts as a central hub of information that's useful for every department. In addition to uniting all data, an ERP implementation must unite the full enterprise. Without support from individuals in leadership roles, it's extremely difficult to set up an effective business management software system that will allow the enterprise to optimize workflow and operate at peak efficiency. According to Toolbox, leadership can't just agree to an ERP implementation and then step aside. Company leaders must be active participants to make sure the software implementation meets company goals. 

Letting go of legacy systems

Sometimes a team or department can remain attached to a legacy system or a certain set of practices. 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, and the sooner it's implemented and adopted, the sooner everyone can enjoy its many benefits. If a team leader is not onboard with the new system, that can lead to issues with data standards. 

"Leadership can't just agree to ERP implementation and then step aside."

Adopting standards and best practices

With centralized data, it's essential for each team to use the same set of data standards when inputting and applying information. Otherwise, the enterprise will end up with redundant or incorrect data, which likely prompted them to implement ERP software in the first place. 

Training and oversight

ERP systems are scalable to growing businesses, so it's important to invest in continuous training to stay up to date on all of the system capabilities. A deployment vendor such as Accent Software can help create a training plan and a change management strategy, so new users become experts.

Setting goals

Doug Howardell of the ACA Group noted that executives need to provide a vision for the ERP implementation in order to determine its success. Setting quantifiable goals and defining success will go a long way towards making sure the software is properly deployed and the enterprise is seeing the many benefits. 

At Accent Software, we help SMBs implement ERP systems so they can centralize data, optimize workflow and operative at maximum efficiency. Contact us to learn more about the many ways we can help.

Preparing your team for business management software

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When implementing your new business management software, it's important to properly train your team. Preparing them to use the full scope of enterprise resource planning system capabilities will maximize your return on investment and set your users up for success.

Training is not a one-time investment. According to Learning Solutions Magazine, even trained users can forget 25 percent of what they've learned. Since ERP systems are scalable to your business, it's crucial to invest in continuous training so your users are always up to date on all of the system's capabilities. 

Legacy data
Review the data fields from your legacy system. Are all of those fields still useful? Now is your opportunity to clean your system of any unnecessary data. Perhaps your business model has changed, so some of your old data is no longer needed. Now is the time to identify any unnecessary data, so your new ERP system can start fresh. 

Best practices
Now that new data will be centralized, make sure each user learns the same best practices. Your new business information system is only as good as its data, so make sure everyone is on the same page about how to input new data. Put together a guide with screenshots or a video tutorial, so users can refer back to it.

Proper preparation will help your users make the most of your ERP system. Proper preparation will help your users make the most of your ERP system.

Organizational buy-in
These new business management software solutions will affect employees at every level. Seeing leaders getting on board will create a domino effect throughout the enterprise. As decision-makers adapt to the new processes, they can become change agents for their teams. Some may be affected more than others, but it's essential for everyone in the organization to buy in to this change. 

A deployment vendor such as Accent Software can help you create a training plan and a change management strategy so your users become experts. We can help your ERP implementation go as smoothly as possible, so you can be well on your way to saving money and being more productive. 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.

Managing change with your ERP implementation

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As your team adopts a new business management software system, it's critical that you make sure not to overlook the need for change management. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems streamline processes and boost productivity, but there is a learning curve.

Some team members will need to change their roles within the organization in order to better suit this new, improved workflow. Organizational processes are changing, so team members need help to adapt to these changes in order to command the best results. As Chirag Shivalker of Wired notes, poor change management can have "a cascading effect on the morale of your employees, on their performance, on productivity and hence forth the bottom line."

While many view change management with trepidation, it can be a positive experience for the entire organization. Employees will learn new skills that better align with industry best practices. George Root III of the Houston Chronicle explains that change management can instill confidence in your employees, and improve relationships with clients and vendors. 

Change agents
You can nominate an individual to focus on organizational effectiveness and continuing development. This agent can act as the internal point person for training issues and represent the employees, bringing any questions or concerns to upper management. 

Change management gets your whole team on board. Change management gets your whole team on board.

Set quantifiable goals
In order to determine success or failure during the change, you need to consider key performance indicators and identify quantifiable goals. Create new standards using identifiable facts and figures. Once the new system is in place, it'll be easier to measure success. 

Involve every level
Everyone from entry-level employees to executive leadership will be affected by the new ERP system. These changes will require buy-in from everyone, and seeing decision-makers getting onboard will create a cascade effect throughout the organization. As team leaders adapt to the new processes, they will become evangelists and change agents within their own groups. Some employees may be affected more than others by the new system, but it's important for every employee to be a part of this organizational change. 

The changes associated with ERP implementation may seem challenging, but Accent Software works with clients every step of the way to ensure a smooth transition. Contact us to learn more about how we can help. 

4 common challenges of an ERP implementation

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Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software brings many benefits, including a smoother workflow, increased productivity and improved communication. The process of implementing an ERP system can be a challenging one, although it's absolutely worth the challenges. However, it's still important to consider these when you're preparing to move to a business management system, so you can have the smoothest transition possible. 

Communication
As Paul Bywater points out in BDaily, remember to communicate to your team how this transition will impact each member. They will need to understand how this system benefits them, but also how the transition is going to impact their day-to-day jobs. 

Software
What kind of business do you run? Different business management software solutions can serve different types of enterprises. You will also want to consider what modules you would like to incorporate in your setup, and whether or not you will be adopting a cloud-based system. 

Remember to review these factors when adopting an ERP system. Remember to review these factors when adopting an ERP system.

Rollout strategy
The two most common rollout strategies are "big bang and "phased." Both have their advantages and disadvantages. A big bang rollout happens all at once, so while there can be an initial disruption as you convert to a new system, you will see a return on your investment much sooner. A phased rollout happens gradually, so you can ease your way into the new system. However, a phased rollout will be more expensive because your team will have to keep your legacy system running while they learn the new ERP software. 

Training personnel
Remember that training is not a one-time investment. As ERP systems are scalable to your business, it's a good idea to invest in continuous training so your users are always up to date on all of the system capabilities. A deployment vendor such as Accent Software can help you create a training plan and a change management strategy, so your users become experts. 

At Accent Software, we can help your ERP implementation go as smoothly as possible, so you can be well on your way to saving money and being more productive. We're proud Microsoft partners, and we help SMBs use Microsoft Dynamics NAV for their business intelligence. Contact us to learn more about the many ways we can help. 

5 questions your team has about business management software

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If you're considering adopting an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, your team may have some questions about business management software. 

What departments will the ERP system serve?
An ERP system features modules for every department you need, including but not limited to manufacturing, human resources, accounting, inventory and sales. Every department that shares your business intelligence can benefit from ERP software. 

Is the system scalable?
It's important to pick a scalable system so that as your company grows, you can easily adapt it instead of replacing it entirely. As Adam Bluemner noted in Find Accounting Software, a good ERP system is "future-proof." Microsoft Dynamics NAV is the ideal system for a small to medium sized enterprise that is looking to purchase its first business management system, or a company that has outgrown its legacy system and is looking to upgrade. The software is agile and scalable, to benefit a company that is adding more clients and implementing new workflows. 

Your team may have questions about ERP software. Your team may have questions about ERP software.

Will the software work for our industry?
The manufacturing, service and accounting industries in particular benefit from ERP software. Accent Software has extensive experience deploying ERP systems that meet the specific needs of those industries. However, a company in any industry can benefit from centralized data and streamlined workflows that an ERP system brings. 

How do we implement the system?  This is where Accent Software comes in. Our certified team has been helping over 130 local businesses learn and implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV for over 15 years. With Accent Software, it's not just a one-time installation. Our team of ERP experts is with you every step of the way, from answering your initial questions to post-implementation consulting. 

What's the next step?
Contact us to learn more about what our business management software solutions can offer your company. 

More small businesses are using mobile devices

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Small businesses face an uphill battle when competing with larger competitors. Thankfully, using new technology can help SMBs accomplish more, which levels the playing field. Mobile technology offers innovative ways to operate business management software such as ERPs, so they can streamline processes and run a tighter ship. 

Growing fast
According to the Boston Consulting Group, mobile technology is the fastest-growing technology of all time. Not only that, but small businesses that use this technology are growing faster than their non-mobile counterparts. These companies and their revenues are growing at significantly faster rates than competitors using older technology. In last year's Small Business Technology Poll, AT&T found that the number of small businesses using mobile technology has grown to 94 percent, up from 85 percent in 2013. 

Saving time and money
According to the AT&T study, small businesses using tablets and smartphones saved employees 2 billion hours a year, and $65 billion a year. Mobile devices let users scan and upload data from invoices. Delivery drivers can use GPS to find the best route. Vendors can scan credit cards right on their phones and email receipts. Manufacturers can monitor production from anywhere in the facility. Inventory managers can scan items as they're shipped. Mobile devices continue to make day-to-day tasks faster and simpler, while connecting workers with accurate, centralized data.  

Mobile ERP gives you important data at your fingertips. Mobile ERP gives you important data at your fingertips.

Mobile ERP
Last fall, Microsoft launched new mobile apps for Dynamics NAV, available for all Windows, iOS and Android devices. These apps let users harness the full power of an ERP system, with the added advantage of using mobile devices. Whether its for customer relationships, accounting, inventory, IT or any other department, workers with critical data at their fingertips are more effective and more productive. 

With ERP business management software solutions from Accent Software, your team can adopt a sophisticated system that leverages mobile technology. We're ready to walk you through the processes step by step to prepare your team to be more productive. 

3 reasons your HR manager will love ERP software

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A growing enterprise needs a human resources (HR) component to help with hiring talent, educating employees on their benefits, administrating payroll and advising on employment matters. As companies grow, these HR tasks can become more complex and without the right business management software, an HR team can become bogged down by paperwork. Adopting an enterprise resource system (ERP) can help streamline these processes and give HR managers the tools and they need to help their company adapt to growth. 

Automated administrative tasks
An ERP system can help automate everything from generating reports, calculating deductions and updating employee records. ERP connects all of the important data in one central hub, so that HR teams don't have to waste time filling out paperwork with redundant data. 

ERP systems help with recruiting, benefits and other HR tasks. ERP systems help with recruiting, benefits and other HR tasks.

Fast, accurate payments
HR managers need to be on the lookout for payroll fraud, and ERP systems make it much easier to prevent such transgressions. ERP software can automate the payment process, so employees receive accurate payments on time. An ERP system can also automatically calculate deductions and overtime. In addition, an ERP system is built to comply with any legal payroll requirements. By uniting HR data with financials a company is able to make better decisions on head count and organizational structure, according to Suzanne Franco of IT Web.

Empowered employees
ERP systems allow employees to access all the information they need when learning about their benefits, which streamlines the benefit disbursement process. Changes are reflected in real-time rather than relying on the HR team to implement changes manually. This self-service takes more administrative work out of HR's hands, freeing them up for other tasks. 

An ERP system like Microsoft Dynamics NAV can make human resource tasks more efficient, to better serve your growing team. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you deploy a state -of -the-art system. 

4 benefits of going paperless

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November 6 is World Paper Free Day, according to the Association of Information and Image Management. By pledging to use less paper, companies can run more efficiently, collaborate more effectively and save money.

According to Reduce.org, the average office worker uses 10,000 sheets of paper per year. Multiply that by the number of employees and the costs of using so much paper becomes quite significant. Furthermore, relying on physical files can cost productivity from employees. The right business management software can help your office use less paper and reap the benefits. 

Document organization
By keeping electronic documents, your important information is easily organized and searchable across all departments. This centralizes data, so there is no duplicate information and employees can easily verify its accuracy. 

Backup and security
What happens if someone loses an important file, or if the office has a fire? Electronic documents can be automatically backed up in the event of an emergency. Data stored digitally can be protected through multiple layers of security, and monitored to show who accesses or edits files. 

ERP software can help your team use less paper. ERP software can help your team use less paper.

Collaborate in real-time
When going paperless, there is no  more time wasted waiting for faxes, mail or interoffice delivery. That idle time can slow work down and affect workflow. Cloud systems such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV allow team members to access and edit data simultaneously, whether they're in the office or on the road. 

Cutting down on printing and storage
Printers and ink are expensive. As companies grow, documents take up more and more space, and often times they need to buy or rent extra space just to dump old files. Many times physical files have to be stored off site, which makes it a huge burden to retrieve them. Digital storage is far less costly than physical storage, and information stored in the cloud is always readily available.

Going totally paperless may not be a possibility for some businesses. However, cutting down even slightly can yield benefits. Accent Software's business management software solutions can help growing businesses adopt an ERP system that retains and tracks your documents more effectively than paper files.