Developing or maintaining a competitive advantage requires continuous investment in your ERP and users. You need to effectively modernize your system and processes without disrupting day-to-day operations. A health check of your ERP to measure your system’s effectiveness is as necessary as regularly servicing your automobile. Why take an ERP health assessment? Why wouldn’t you want to semi-regularly check the data used for decision making. If your goal is a smooth and regular commute, peace of mind starts by “popping the hood” from time to time.
BUSINESS NEEDS
What gauges are you using to make sure your levels in range? That depends on what your business needs to be successful? First to market? Competitive pricing? More market space? What about lost sales due to poor customer service? Having the highest quality product available at a competitive price may not be enough. After all, as a consumer, quality is simply expected. Quality cannot justify price without exceptional service.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Customers may want self-service options. But there will come a time when they need more. More importantly, they will want the ability to speak to someone who appreciates them (and their situation) and can provide answers... Now. Additionally, you need to know what product is available at what price and when your customer can expect it. Lead time is important. Making the promised delivery is a must.
An effective health assessment of your ERP should start with investigation & analysis of a few key aspects.
ERP SYMPTOMS - WARNING SIGNS
There are warning signs that your ERP or processes could be inefficient.
- Inability to trust your information
- Customer delivery inconsistency
- Frequent inventory adjustments
- Unexpected production overruns or shortfalls
- Inappropriate/wrong component inventory available.
WHAT ELSE TO CONSIDER
Obtain answers to the following.
- Are ERP applications running current versions?
- Are new employee’s being properly trained?
- Is modification/enhancement user documentation made available?
- What functionality do your users need? Want?
- Is there awareness & utilization of available function/features in the current ERP?
- What processes need reengineering to take advantage of available features?
Then review the findings looking for the ‘low hanging fruit’, consider what can be accomplished, and set your goals.
VALUE ENGINEERING AT ISE
In business today, it is paramount that mission critical systems and processes be aligned with sound technological strategies. Our Value Engineering Team at ISE will help identify, quantify, and realize the value of your technology and ERP investment. Learn More of our Value Engineering Workshops.
Bob Vanderstouw
Senior Programmer/Analyst with Information Systems Engineering, Inc.
