Considering the wide array of available business software options

Business software keeps getting better. This is a simple statement, but it genuinely reflects the advances made in functionality, compatibility and remote access for enterprise resource planning systems, customer relationship management platforms and other types of software that help organizations realize improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.

Growing complexity

For some businesses, it's easy to tell what kind of software will benefit them - even though the selection of a particular system is still best left to consultation between the organization and its ERP or CRM partner. It's relatively simple for an organization that focuses on sales to realize they need to implement CRM software, and manufacturers of many types know that ERP is a solution originally developed specifically for that industry.

However, not all companies fall between such neat dividing lines. Many organizations not only manufacture their own products, but have an active salesforce as well. Businesses may not be limited to just sales and manufacturing, they can have a variety of other functions that, depending on industry and individual structure, can benefit from the right type of business software. But how can companies decide which systems are right for them? Consider these pieces of advice:

Work with the right partner

Finding the right partner organization to help with initial consultation, implementation, education of staff and ongoing support is critical to the success of such a project, regardless of the exact type of software implemented. A partner that has experience with different types of CRM, ERP and other systems such as Microsoft Office 365 can draw on previous installations to provide the top-notch support that's required before and after a go-live date for a project arises. The guidance provided helps not only to select the right platform, but the additional components that contribute to the overall return on investment as well.

Engaging and training employees is also easier with the right partner in place. After all, staff members will be the daily users of business software and their understanding of its use is crucial to long-term success. While the right type of business software and the best fit related to a specific system are both necessary to make such a project effective, most of the benefits will be lost if employees can't or won't use the platform effectively.

Understand the core operations

For some businesses, a very straightforward answer is delivered when the question of what exactly a company does is posed. Others have more complicated or involved processes, or simply more of them. Regardless of the situation, it's important that organizations identify the major areas of operation to better communicate with an ERP or CRM partner during initial consultations. This understanding should extend into future plans as well. While it's not necessary or even possible in many instances to know exactly what a business will do in the medium or far future, sharing goals in general terms helps develop a system that retains effectiveness even as a business grows and changes.

Consider flexible or supplementary systems

For companies that have major operations that fall under the umbrella of both CRM and ERP, using a flexible solution such as NetSuite, which can offer both types of functionality, is a significant consideration. Another area to consider is the use of advanced software such as Microsoft Office 365, which offers the so-named suite of products in the title along with remote access and strong security that's needed for professional use. Incorporating systems like these into the overall plan for business software can provide some very beneficial results.

To learn more about our solutions and services, please visit www.tmgroupinc.com or contact us at 888-482-2864.  Now is a great time to contact The TM Group to accomplish your CRM and ERP goals. We have been providing superior business technology solutions since 1984. Our TM Group consultants vast expertise can architect the ideal system within your budget and timeline.

By The TM Group, a Michigan-based ERP system partner with NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Dynamics SL, Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner