What is an ERP and Does Your Business Need It?

On this episode of Get to the Contest Small Business Podcast, we are glad to have Andrew Tolhurst, Partner Manager at JCurve Solutions. We talked about ERP or Enterprise Resource Planning and how an ERP can bring all core business functions together. Find out how ian ERP can help a growing business to scale by listening in to this episode. But first, here are some key takeaways from my chat with Andrew:

1. ERP is all about getting more visibility, increased productivity and enabling your business to scale

As your business grows, it is entirely possible that multiple systems will be used that do not integrate. An ERP helps in the management of the core business functions. This visibility over all areas of the business means management data is available to truly know the position of the business.

2. Do not throw labour at a problem

One of ERP’s functions is to streamline tasks for a better efficiency and business flow. ERP will be the "One version of the truth" . When a business grows quickly often more & more Human Resources /Labour is used - often doing tasks that could be automated in a very manual, inefficient & expensive fashion . An ERP allows those businesses release employees from these low value task so they can instead focus on high value activity.

3. Get the team onboard

Most people do not like change or disruption so it is important to motivate your team members and appoint a team leader or champion when implementing new systems. They will serve as the go-to person in educating the team about clearly explaining the timeline for the changes.

4. Being prepared is a key to success

Be the most informed person in the room to avoid surprises. With enough preparation, you become more confident and in a position to respond to any client queries. This preparation give confidence and enhances your chance of successful business outcomes.

5. Don't try to do anything too much too fast, implement slowly

Too much too fast doesn’t work. Have a plan, be deliberate around the focus or the areas that you're going to improve on and don’t try to do it all at once. Have a long-term plan and stick to it.