THE 5 MOST COMMON ERP OBJECTIONS

Making the decision to upgrade from a basic accounting software to a robust ERP system can come with challenges. Not everyone will be on board or open to the idea of change. Below are the common push backs from employees when the discussion happens. 

We are going to lose our historic data.

One of the main concern’s companies have when implementing ERP is the fear of losing their historic data.

There is no reason to worry! During the implementation phase, your partner will work with your team to help evaluate the history and create a plan to ensure the vital information is available for you.

This is done for two reasons:

• Your data runs the company, and it allows for the team to be able to make decisions that drive the company forward. The old system in most cases continues to be available.  Having access to the old system is important as it provides a company to be able to compare the old system against the new one on the go live date.  Additionally, the history is very important on day 1 of the go live, but as each day passes, the data becomes less important and looking back at  the old system will become less frequent.

• This gives your company the opportunity to review old data and “start fresh.” During the transition from old to new software, it is important to bring over historic data that is important and clean the data that is not.

We like our current system.

Resistance to change can hinder business growth. As humans, we like what is familiar to us. However, just because the systems you use are familiar does not mean they are efficient or helpful to the business.

Companies resistant to change are likely using many different software’s to hold their data, a manual process of keeping the systems in sync,  entering the same data multiple times, and creating their own reports. These processes can be automatically done, and all housed in one place, we call it the “single data of truth”. Companies who keep an outdated or unreliable system run the risk of losing their data due to a system crash.  More importantly, the loss of a key employee that know how to run multiple systems they created. Other examples of keeping an outdated system are late deliveries, slow response times, issues within the supply chain or inconsistent customer service.

It will take too long.

You are in control of the ERP implementation timeline. If implementation time is a concern for your company, try to plan it during a slow time in your business. Also, ERP partners want to see you succeed so discuss these issues and plan a timeline that does not interrupt daily operations. Make sure the key decision makers on the project are kept in the loop during this time. Before you nix the idea of an implementation think about this:  If systems and processes are causing you more work, it is only going to continue getting worse. It is worth it to invest both time and money in a new system to cut down on manual processes. Plus, the sooner you start, the sooner you can use the new software!

It will be too hard to learn.

You have tackled learning a new system before, right? Just like you learned your old system you will do the same with a new ERP solution. It may be hard to fully grasp how each component in the system works at first, but with time it will get easier. There will be a learning curve during the initial transition but luckily your ERP partner will walk you through how it works so you can use it as efficiently as possible. You will also have weekly training before you go live with the system so you will be somewhat versed in the technology. Additionally, you partner may record the training and offer it back to you so the team can watch later, or for when a new employee starts to help that person get up to speed.

If you are still having issues with training, check out some of our ERP training practices helping tackle this issue.

We are too small for an ERP grade software.

Just because you are a small company does not mean you do not qualify for an ERP system. Some companies have licenses for less than 10 employees. The new developments made in the ERP/cloud/SaaS world are making it even easier for small companies to adapt and afford  their first ERP.

Also, do you think your company will stay small forever? Having an ERP system promotes company growth and keeps you ahead of your competitors. If you think small, you will continue to be small. Invest in the company you want, not the company you have.

Objections to change and new software can be a struggle when trying to get employees and decision makers on board for this big decision. ACC is here to help in that process and get you ready for your ERP journey! Please contact us 856-335-1010 or email at info@4acc.com for more information!