Taking the leap to implement an accounting ERP system is a big step for any small or medium business. They definitely offer a range of benefits; from streamlining your operations to improving financial accuracy. However, implementing them can be challenging. But with a bit of preparation and understanding, you can confidently overcome common implementation challenges.
1. Understanding the Cost Implications
Many businesses are taken aback by the initial investment required for an Accounting ERP system.
First, be aware of all potential costs – licensing, training, system upgrades, and potential consultancy fees. Once you have an estimate, consider the long-term ROI. While there’s an upfront cost, the efficiency gains and error reductions can save you money in the long run.
2. Employee Resistance
We’re creatures of habit and the introduction of a new system will be met with resistance, mostly driven by fear of the unknown and concern about adapting to a new system.
Start by involving employees early in the decision-making process. This early engagement helps in building a sense of ownership and understanding. Take time to ensure that your team understands the system’s benefits. Comprehensive training sessions will equip employees with the skills and knowledge needed to feel confident when using the new system.
3. Data Migration Headaches
Transferring data from old systems to a new ERP can be tedious, with potential errors or data loss.
Before migration, clean up your data meticulously. This means not just removing outdated or redundant information, but also reviewing the accuracy of existing data sets that might have been corrupted over time. This is the ideal time to reorganise your data structure, streamlining it and aligning it with newer business processes. Testing the migration process with a smaller subset of data first can give insights into potential pitfalls or areas of concern, allowing you to address them before full-scale migration.
4. Picking the Right System
With so many ERP solutions on the market, how do you choose the right one for your business?
Clearly define what you need from an ERP system. Speak to other businesses similar in size to yours in your sector. Opt for scalable solutions so your system can grow with your business. Don’t forget to ask potential providers for case studies or references.
5. Implementation Delays
Implementing an ERP system can sometimes take longer than anticipated, causing disruptions.
Start with a meticulous planning phase. This should begin by assessing your business’s unique needs, before evaluating how each department will be impacted during the rollout. Draw up a clear roadmap and timeline and include contingency time for unforeseen challenges. Schedule regular check-ins, hold progress meetings, and provide status updates throughout to keep the implementation on track. This keeps all stakeholders informed and helps to manage expectations and reduce anxieties.
6. Customisation Quandaries
Some ready-made ERP solutions won’t fit the unique needs of every business.
A certain degree of customisation is often needed, especially when it comes to scalability and integrating with existing systems. But you need to approach this wisely. Start by determining which aspects of your business are so unique that they require a tailored approach. Then, assess the available ERP solutions to find one that closely matches most of your needs without a lot of modification. You should aim to find a balance between tailoring the system to meet your business needs and keeping it agile and easy to support.
Implementing an Accounting ERP system presents challenges. However, with a clear understanding, you can manage them more easily. Speak to us about Tencia, our modular accounting ERP solution that easily integrates with a variety of other business systems. Or reserve your spot in an upcoming web demo for an overview of the system and an opportunity to ask questions about it.
