Software develops constantly. It often benefits a company to upgrade to the latest and greatest, especially when legacy systems are outdated or holding you back. With an ERP solution, that can certainly be the case if you originally went with an entry-level package and are missing out on some exciting new opportunities. There may well be situations, however, when you don’t really need to switch to a new solution. How can you confidently answer the question, “do I need a new ERP?” Let’s go over some signs you’re not ready for a new ERP.
Your current ERP is still reliable.
It benefits many software vendors to tell you that solutions have a shelf life. They want you to believe that when software reaches a certain age; it has outgrown its usefulness, but that’s not always the case. The modular design of today’s ERP can allow you to scale up, if need be, for one. The age of your solution alone, however, is not always a legitimate reason to replace it. If your ERP is still performing reliably from one day to the next and the hardware it’s running on works consistently, there is no need to get a new ERP solution.
Your ERP still delivers on flexibility and functionality.
When is the last time you had to buy new software to increase the functionality in your current ERP system? If the answer is “I can’t even recall,” then chances are your ERP is still delivering. Unless a new feature is mission critical, you are perfectly safe with sticking with your existing solution. (And, yes, we understand new features can be fun!) If you don’t have a growing wish list for features or looking to fill in serious gaps in your feature set, stick with your current ERP.
Your team works well and efficiently with your current ERP.
ERP brings a lot of value add to how your team works. When ERP delivers, your team works more collaboratively and more efficiently. If that is the case, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Keep in mind that getting a new ERP will mean changing some workflows and may require some training for your staff. If everything is humming along and no one is expressing any frustration with the system, let your ERP solution do what it’s supposed to and leave it in place.
Your ERP costs are still affordable.
Maintenance costs can increase as an ERP solution ages, especially if it runs on older hardware that is hard to source. If that is the case, you would be well within reason to upgrade. If your costs are still manageable, however, and the cost of maintaining your system is not higher than the cost of replacing it, you would do well to stick with your existing solution.
Still not sure how to answer the question, “do I need a new ERP?” Schedule a consultation. Our experts can provide the guidance you need to make the most informed and cost-effective choice.
