ERP Software

Upgrading Versus a New Installation

In some cases it is more cost effective for companies running an ERP or Enterprise Resource Planning solution to purchase a whole other ERP solution versus upgrade their existing solution.  There are all kinds of different scenarios where this may happen.  Enterprise Resource Planning solutions are more flexible than ever today.  If an Enterprise Resource Planning customer implemented an ERP solution ten years ago or so, it will probably be more cost effective to go with a new solution than attempt to upgrade a ten year old dinosaur of a system.  Sometimes new solutions offer greater returns on investment.  And, as businesses evolve, their long-term plans often change which may make their current ERP solution no longer well suited. 

Today there are many more Enterprise Resource Planning vendors on the market compared to ten or fifteen years ago.  With all the options now available, it sometimes makes a lot of sense for an Enterprise Resource Planning customer to change their ERP solution versus upgrading their existing solution.  As Enterprise Resource Planning solutions have evolved, so have the functionality and the ease of use.  Why not opt for an Enterprise Resource Planning solution that is easy to use, which will enable you to spend less money training employees because the system is more intuitive.  Sometimes ERP customers outgrow their Enterprise Resource Planning solutions and their only option is to implement another.  Sometimes Enterprise Resource Planning customers learn from mistakes made during implementation with their current Enterprise Resource Planning system and can make the appropriate implementation changes when it comes time for a new system.  Enterprise Resource Planning systems really don’t live past fifteen years if they are well maintained.  Technology evolves and businesses evolve so that the ERP solution no longer works the way it once did. 

Whatever you decide to do whether it is upgrade your current ERP solution or install a new Enterprise Resource Planning solution, make sure you measure the benefits of each first.  If you opt to go with a new Enterprise Resource Planning solution, spend some time researching the vendor.  You’ll want to know what the ERP vendor has planned for their solution five and ten years down the road.  Make sure you select a reputable Enterprise Resource Planning vendor that meshes with your company.  It’s important to build a partnership with your ERP vendor as you will most likely have their product for ten years or so.

Written by :

kristine H