User Review
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ERP Transformations-B2B companies are currently up to their necks in “digital transformation.” They’re moving at a rapid clip to enhance the customer experience through technologies that automate processes, focusing on marketing, sales, and e-commerce. While this was percolating before COVID-19, it’s now encompassing and tied into the overall business strategies for 2021 and beyond. On the back end, ERP providers and their VARs are scrambling to keep up. Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to take a step back and look at this through a different lens.
As recently as last week, software providers such as Infor and SAP, along with industry leaders like MDM and NAW, have all published white papers or held forums on the “what” and “when” of digital transformation elements. Strategy, roadmap, commitment, and continual investment are the keys to staying ahead of the curve. What we have not heard is, “How are my customers going to fund these projects” or “which project has the most immediate of financial impacts to my business” and most importantly, which project has the lightest internal lift, easiest to deliver, and doesn’t require change management to drive adoption from internal customers.
As the brain and central nervous system for a business, ERP systems are very complex and can be challenging to maintain, especially older legacy systems. Most ERP solutions and resellers create additional revenue streams by providing customers with value-added technology, integrations, and professional services. That’s especially true right now when new systems are increasingly harder to sell.
From the buyer perspective, implementing a new ERP is like open-heart surgery. Similarly, new technology projects are feared as a drain on internal resources, and who wants to part with cash in uncertain times? The risk appears too great in the current market climate, while the need to upgrade, enhance, and automate is absolutely paramount. In short, they want an attractive, simplified facelift of functionality to the ERP that improves their agility in virtually serving customers.
The focus is primarily on the external customer and often neglects areas within their customers’ business where change is not perceived as immediately necessary.
As the brain and central nervous system for a business, ERP systems are very complex and can be challenging to maintain, especially legacy systems. Most ERP solutions and resellers create additional revenue streams by providing customers with value-added technology, integrations, and professional services. That’s especially true right now, when new systems are increasingly harder to sell.
