This is the first in a series of blog posts exploring 10 key steps in successfully implementing an ERP solution for small-to-medium manufacturing businesses. We hope you find them useful; don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
Why you need a needs analysis
First Things First
The first key to unlocking success in any comprehensive business endeavor, of course, is good planning and analysis.
It’s all too easy to get swept up in the day-to-day running of a company and not take the time to look at the “big picture” of your company’s business processes. Many times it’s only when there is a glaring problem in those makeshift systems that business owners and managers are able to rationalize the time and attention necessary to address problems in a once-streamlined system that has since evolved into a complex array of inefficiencies.
Growth and Change
Take Customer Relationship Management, for example. As the company has grown and acquired more customers and prospects, your sales staff has probably also grown. There was a point at which it was easy enough for one or two salespeople to keep track of, and follow up with, all of your customers. As your business grows and your salespeople are talking to more people, the process gets more complicated without a system in place to makes notes, track progress, and get reminders for follow-up.
With a comprehensive CRM solution–ideally linked to your other business functions–everyone is on the same page as far as customer needs, follow-up information, and who is responsible for what action. Most businesses have a need for this type of system: one that tracks relevant data and measures results for your specific industry.
When You Need Help
At Parallel Solutions, we work primarily with manufacturing and distribution firms, so we understand the specific needs of these businesses. When we work with new clients, we like to go into a company and visit the manufacturing and warehousing facilities to get a complete understanding of how the business works. Then when we have a complete picture of the needs particular to your organization, we can help you prioritize which needs are greatest to maximize ROI as quickly as possible.
There are many options when it comes to business systems management and resource planning. We ask the right questions and know how to get the information that will help us help you find the right solution for your unique business. We will help you determine what processes need to be automated to enable your business to run smoothly, efficiently, and profitably.
By taking the time to observe your organization, and with the help of our experienced consultants, you can make most well-informed choices about your business’ needs, maximizing your software investment dollars.
To learn more about how we can help you find the perfect ERP solution for your distributing or manufacturing business, call us at (440) 498-9920 today.
Read the next post in the series:
