ERP is Complex—Where Can You Turn for Help?

Get Help from the Experts!

Few things are more frustrating than when your ERP software starts to function poorly. Unfortunately, the universal solution we all turn to in times of trouble—Googling the problem—likely won’t help you in this situation. One business’s system and processes will look completely different than another. There just isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to ERP errors.

Vendors Can Help, to an Extent

If you’re looking for a quick fix, then those who wrote the software could be the right option. Little bugs in the system or a fast-coding query from the vendor might solve the immediate problem, but there is no guarantee that the issue will be fully solved or that the solution will align with your unique business process.

Turning to your ERP vendor will only get you so far. They may be able to help you code a new taskbar or give you advice on building a custom app. And some include video tutorials and guides that are useful for learning basic functions and simple fixes. But how well does the vendor really know your business?

The people you get in contact with for support are probably not the people who had a role in selling or setting up the system, meaning they won’t know the ins and outs of your specific instance and needs. Therefore, the vendor’s support specialist is going into the situation blind. Though helpful for generic troubleshooting and other small tasks, they can’t do much to assist you with deeper software problems.

Consulting Firms Deliver End-to-End Support

A software provider specializes in making and selling software, not in working closely with clients to deliver all-encompassing services. So, who should you reach out to for comprehensive support?

An ERP consultant is a great resource that can deliver end-to-end support and has the specialty of a reliable consulting firm or value-added reseller (VAR). From software selection to maintenance, an ERP consultant can be there for your business! Here are a few of the advantages you gain with an expert consultant at your side:

• Hands-On Service: Not a fan of the faceless web chat support solution? Many consultants will offer on-site support during their partnership with you. This means in-person, hands-on ERP help and training. It can be impossible to effectively communicate testing requirements, training techniques, or fixes to multiple employees over phone calls or web chats. In-person service ensures issues are fully addressed.
• Business Process Modeling: Unlike vendors, consultants will take a detailed approach to understand your fundamental business processes. By undergoing business process modeling, consultants look at every task you need to be supported by a software system and even find areas where you can improve workflows, so your ERP will truly maximize enterprise productivity.
• Additional Solutions: No vendor is going to recommend solutions outside of its brand. Consulting firms, however, often create many of their own solutions or develop relationships with multiple providers to ensure clients have access to the best systems and services for various aspects of their business. Datix, for example, is both an Infor partner and a certified partner of Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM and Salesforce, making us a source for top CRM and ERP solutions.
• Single Touchpoint: When you reach out to a consultant, you’re getting in touch with someone who knows about your software and your business. You won’t need to explain your processes and systems every time you call about an error or request a new feature—the expert consultant has information on hand to effectively answer all your software questions and concerns.

Choose a Partner that Knows Your Industry

For comprehensive support, you can’t rely on just any software consulting firm. Some don’t have expertise in your industry, or they lack a solid strategy for ERP projects. That’s why we recommend a firm with a proven success rate for clients in your industry. Meet with consultants in person with relevant questions to measure their fit. Ask for references, so you can learn what past clients have to say about their performance. Additionally, check that consultants have relevant credentials and certifications. When you follow this process, you can rest assured that you’re partnering with experts who truly understand your industry demands and software functionality!

The Datix Difference

You want to make the most of any investment for improving your company. The right ERP consultant serves as a safety net, protecting you from project risks and offering long-term fixes whenever your technology isn’t up to par. When online articles or vendor support isn’t enough, you can trust that your consulting firm will have your back.

At Datix, we offer CRM and ERP consulting with a variant of solutions. We offer hands-on implementation and integration and only hire the most skilled consultants. Our partnerships coupled with our methodology is proven to yield ROI for your business.

Our start-to-finish service means that whether you are in the beginning stages of your implementation or well past your go-live date, we are there to answer questions, mitigate risk, and maximize the volume of your software. Our main concern is helping you optimize your business performance!

Contact one of our experts today to learn more!