Views: 1600The business world is evolving at lightning speed, and Swiss companies that do not digitize are at great risk. Effective management of resources and processes is crucial for business success. The same goes for process automation. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software plays a central role in this quest for efficiency. However, with a plethora of options available on the market, choosing the right ERP software for your business can be a significant challenge.
In this article, we will explore the essential aspects to consider when selecting an ERP, whether it is an off-the-shelf solution or a custom-developed one tailored entirely to your needs, as our engineers are accustomed to creating for our clients in Switzerland.
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Choosing the Right Software: Evaluating the Specific Needs of Your Business
Before diving into the world of ERPs, it is imperative to understand the specific needs of your business. Each organization is unique, and software that suits one company may not be suitable for another. Identify the key processes of your business, areas where improvements are needed, and essential features to drive growth. A thorough assessment of these needs will enable you to define clear criteria for choosing your ERP.
Scalability and Flexibility for an ERP that Fits Your Development
Your business is not static; it evolves. Therefore, an ERP must be able to grow with it. Scalability and flexibility are essential elements to consider when choosing software. Opt for a solution that can adapt to changes in the size, structure, and needs of your business without compromising performance. Specifically, your software should be able to add new functions, resize existing ones based on user needs, increase storage capacity, maintain the same performance in case of increased load (number of simultaneous users), etc.
Integration with Existing Systems for an ERP that Participates in Your Digital Ecosystem
An effective ERP does not operate in isolation. Ensure that the chosen software can seamlessly integrate with the systems already in place within your organization. Seamless integration with existing applications ensures a smooth transition and maximizes operational efficiency.
It is also possible to design a custom ERP that includes all your various tools (emails, cloud storage, customer files, invoicing, etc.). For this, it is best to engage a team of specialized engineers.
Discuss your needs and goals with one of our dedicated experts
Data Security within Your Software
Data security is a major concern in today’s digital world, whether it’s protecting your trade secrets, health data, or complying with regulations such as LPD or GDPR. Make sure that the ERP you choose offers robust security standards to protect sensitive information from your business because many are not strong from this point of view. At Edana, as a custom software development agency, we place particular emphasis on data security and can assist you in implementing advanced protection solutions.
Support and Maintenance to Avoid Downtime
Choosing an ERP is not limited to the implementation phase. It is crucial to consider long-term support and maintenance. Opt for a provider that offers continuous support and regular updates to ensure the smooth operation of your ERP system over time.
The Pitfalls of Standard ERPs & Review of the Most Popular Ones
It can be tempting to turn to a ready-made solution, but this often comes at the expense of the company’s development. Although this depends on various specific conditions. Here are some of the most well-known standard ERPs on the market, along with some general limitations:
SAP ERP:
- Weaknesses :
- High implementation and maintenance costs.
- Complexity, which may require extensive training for users.
- Time required to customize and adapt features to specific business needs.
Oracle ERP Cloud:
- Weaknesses:
- Significant initial cost with licensing and implementation fees.
- Limited customization compared to a custom ERP.
- Time required to implement additional features.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 :
- Weaknesses:
- High acquisition cost, especially for small businesses.
- Limitations in terms of flexibility to adapt to unique business processes.
- Need to rely on specialized consultants for extensive customizations.
Infor ERP :
- Weaknesses:
- User interface sometimes criticized for its complexity.
- Dependence on the provider for updates and adding new features.
- License and maintenance fees that may be prohibitive for some companies.
It is crucial to note that these weaknesses are not absolute and may vary depending on the specific needs of each company. Standard ERPs are designed to meet a wide range of needs, but their rigidity can be a challenge for companies with very specific or constantly evolving business processes. This is where a custom ERP can offer a more suitable solution by overcoming these limitations through personalized and flexible design.
Choosing between a Standard ERP and a Custom ERP: How to Decide?
The standard ERP meets the essential needs of a company based on generic criteria. It generally integrates traditional modules such as accounting, marketing, or invoicing. Although effective in its field, it exhibits a certain rigidity over time, lacking real flexibility. Standard ERPs often lack adaptability, a crucial characteristic given that a company’s trajectory is not always linear.
This is why software publishers now offer an increasing variety of custom solutions. These solutions are designed to adjust to the real issues and specific evolutions of each company. With fully dedicated and specialized interfaces and features, custom ERP offers increased adaptability to the business tool.
Examples of ERPs that our engineers have custom designed for our Swiss clients
Developing custom business software to enable Swiss companies and organizations to digitize their business processes, gain efficiency, transparency, and increase profitability is our expertise. Here are two case studies of fully tailored software development:
I want to create my own custom ERP
In conclusion, choosing an ERP software for your business is a strategic decision that requires careful evaluation. Edana, as a custom software development agency in Switzerland, understands the importance of this decision and creates customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of your business. With our expertise, we are ready to guide you through the selection and implementation process, ensuring the long-term success of your business in the highly competitive and complex Swiss, European, and international markets today. Contact us now to discuss it.
