Customized ERP Software Solutions

Are you constantly bending to fit your software instead of the software bending to fit your business?

The question is not whether or not to customize, but when does the customization make business sense or provide a competitive advantage. For over 25 years, ABC Computers has been helping clients make these hard decisions. We can help you too.

The ABC’s of Customizing Financial Management & ERP Software

• The best thing about a customizable solution is that it can be customized. The worst thing about it is that it can be customized.
• Customizing software is like nuclear fuel – it has a half-life. The risk is that it never ends, but with the correct planning the business benefits never end either.
• Going live with any ERP System is a contradiction in terms. You may go live using the software quickly. But, going live really means that phase one is 90% finished. Our experience tells us that your users will continue to find ways to improve the system well after the initial go live.
• CEO “beating” rule of thumb. For every one beating we get from the CEO while planning a custom ERP System saves us ten beatings after going live. CEO and visionaries must participate in all planning aspects of the system. After all, the system is being put in ultimately for their benefit.
• Make a wish list. Write down the small custom changes on a “wish” list. If they are still needed after ninety days, then have them done.
• Most systems can do the basic functions that you need. The rest of the features can be modified as needed. The question is…can it be done quickly so that each change doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg each time
• At some point you will say, “I can’t be the only customer that has a need for Microsoft Dynamics NAV to work this way. What do other customers around the world do?” Out of 76,000+ installations in 120 countries, you would be amazed at how unique some of your requests are.
• Change in procedures is sometimes a good thing. Even though customization allows you to change the software to meet unique procedures, you may wish to allow a bit of progress. After all, you are already changing your complete system, now is the time to dust under the cabinets.
• Train, train and train some more. There are so many features in a new ERP system that you simply cannot absorb all of them in a few short months. Budget time for further training after going live.
• Your company is destined to change. The reason why a custom ERP System fits well is it can change with you. Revisit your procedures often because many times systems can meet your new requirements out of the box. Invite an ABC Specialist along with your strategic planning meetings.