BSPOKE Software | Digital Transformation Partners

Custom ERP system – how to make the most of it

We recently shared on our site why business owners should invest in a custom ERP system. With so many great benefits of enterprise resource planning systems, it’s no surprise that more companies are turning to this solution. When it comes to investing in an ERP system, there are certain things to keep in mind before making this decision. In this article, we discover how you can make the most of a custom ERP system once implemented into your business.

Choosing a bespoke ERP system over a packaged ERP system

The first decision that business owners need to make when investing in an ERP system is whether they will opt for a custom or packaged solution. For most companies, a custom solution is always the way to go. We will individually tailor the product to your needs. On top of that, after the initial development cost, you will own the software. That means you won’t have to pay for licensing or maintenance in the future. As your business continues to grow, you’ll be able to develop it and make changes. This is ideal for new business owners who are hoping to expand their business in the upcoming years.

Our team will be here to support you throughout the process of creating a bespoke ERP. We understand that this can be a daunting process, but we’ll make it as easy as possible for you. You’ll notice there’s a huge amount of flexibility when it comes to this solution. Instead of the ERP vendor owning the software, you’ll have full control over how you use it in the future. For many business owners, it’s even more cost-effective than an out-of-the-box solution. You’ll only pay for what you need while receiving a solution that we will integrate into your current processes.

Updating a custom ERP system as your business expands

One of the top reasons for investing in a custom ERP system is that it can be updated as needed. Keep in mind that updates will require regular testing, but this is part of the process when working with us on any project. If your business has cut back in the past year due to the recent pandemic, now is the time to think about moving forward. As your company continues to grow and gain more business, your custom ERP system will grow with you. If you’ve never used custom software before, you might not be aware of how easy it is to update. Our team will be here to support you in the future when needed.

Instead of buying a brand new ERP system once your business outgrows your past one, we’ll make simple updates to offer you the features you need. If you are currently dealing with a lot more business, we can tweak aspects of the ERP system to deal with this increase in custom. It’s easy to add and remove features that would be helpful to you in the future. Custom software grows with your business as it matures, so it will last you many years to come. This is why so many companies are choosing to invest in this type of work. The long term gain is well worth the initial upfront cost of a custom software project.

Take your time plan

We know that you are probably keen to get started on your project now that you know about the benefits. Don’t rush the planning stages though, as this is when we will learn about how your business operates. We encourage you to create a list of what’s working currently and what needs improving. If you will switch from a standard system to a custom one, think about the benefits you are hoping for from this move. We’ll take the time to design the ERP system with you, and we ask you to share your feedback as needed. This makes the process as accurate as possible and saves time in the long run.

User Acceptance Testing

Testing is a critical part of any project that we work on. We strive to test a custom ERP system throughout the project. Leaving the testing process to the end can be disastrous, but user acceptance testing is the final part of the process. This helps us to offer a smooth transition for your team. It will give them a chance to preview the system before it’s used full time in your business. At this stage, we always encourage open communication to avoid any frustration from building up. The more questions they can answer, the easier the transition for your business will be. Make sure you have a clear set of acceptance criteria set out for testing. Our team can guide you on this also to ensure we are all on the same page during the testing stage.

While you might be keen to get your hands on your new custom ERP system, don’t rush the testing process. This stops issues from appearing further down the line, causing delays for your business. We never want to rush testing, as this is how we ensure we are offering you a product that will last for many years. Keep this in mind during the end stages of our time working together. Our team is committed to offering you the best results during every project that we work on.

To conclude

There are many ways to make the most of a custom ERP system. By following these tips listed above and opting for this solution over a standard option, you’ll notice many benefits for your business. If you are ready to invest in a custom ERP system, get in touch with our team today. Our locally based Peterborough Software House, will send our software consultant to visit your premises. He’ll be happy to discuss your business needs and how we can help you to achieve your goals this year. No business is too big or small to benefit from this work. The sooner that you invest in a custom ERP system, the more effective your business will be.

If you enjoyed this article you may also be interested in the following: Company database – would it be a good investment? or What is a custom CRM and how it can benefit your buisness

BSPOKE Software - Custom ERP System, graphic showing business people using one.