If it were only about fast SOP (sales order processing) or the ability to search for products with speed and accuracy there would be many systems from which to choose and few reasons to move from your existing system. So why change?
From time to time, businesses will re-evaluate their infrastructure. Good reasons for change typically include the need to gain more efficiencies, reduce overheads, drive forward best practices, gain more control and more visibility. Increasingly, businesses need to become more proactive rather than reactive. Sometimes the need for change comes quickly, perhaps driven by customer expectation, competition or legislation.
Ease of use is a key factor. Graphical-based solutions have emerged to help reduce the training costs associated with IT by providing a user interface which is familiar and readily understood. These modern solutions, with their additional features and benefits, bring new opportunities without compromising ease and speed of transaction processing.
Your IT partner should take care of the IT and leave you with the benefits of the solution. For example, Utility Computing or ASP solutions mean that your supplier may be able to run your IT environment for you and leave you to run your business.
Research and development for IT companies is increasingly costly. As your business is constantly evolving it is important that your IT is flexible and easily adaptable. A clear and long-term development strategy is essential to protect your investment and your business strategy. Can your IT partner keep pace with your evolving business?
Industry standards have emerged which mean that efficient interfaces between products and businesses are now easier – but only if you share in the new standards. Integration through the supply chain is gaining pace. For example, e-trading between you and your partners is increasingly common. This may add value and certainly reduces cost. In some cases this type of integration will be a condition of doing business. Your IT partner’s appreciation of where IT needs to be in years to come will keep your business in the loop.
Is the proposed solution no more than a “lick of paint” on top of the old foundations? The tools used by those who shape modern IT have evolved. New features and their associated benefits, which were not easily achievable with older technology, can now be used by business to reduce costs and offer better service. For example, mobile devices for sales representatives, signature capture, proof of delivery scanning, automatic invoice matching, e-commerce and many more innovative solutions help to move your business forward.
Undoubtedly the capital cost of IT is a major factor in the decision-making process. But other factors should weigh just as heavily. Implementing a solution which simply replicates the old has little cost justification. The longer-term strategy will expect new features and business tools. Risk and the other hidden costs of change, such as distraction from the business, must also be carefully weighed. The business does not want to be effecting such a major change to its infrastructure too often.
This is a major decision, partly because of the investment, but mainly because of other factors. Does your partner understand your business enough to appreciate the nuances of the trade? Can they provide the level of resource, technical skill and project management needed to effect a smooth transition?
A strong understanding of your business needs, blended with the right IT skills will help to manage change and risk, delivering the benefits to time and budget.
Implementing new IT can and is achieved successfully on a regular basis by many businesses which then gain significant advantages. However, it is not an exercise that needs to be repeated too often – if the right, long-term partner is chosen.
