| Enterprise resource planning (ERP) has a reputation as | | | | for all communications needs across Australia, the |
| being the key to effectively managing a multitude of | | | | director of the company knew that its growing |
| business applications across an organisation. While | | | | business needed to upgrade to a better working |
| many large Fortune 500 companies jumped on the | | | | platform. Central Communications was born after a |
| bandwagon very early on, smaller companies are | | | | merger between an electronics radio communications |
| hesitant to adopt ERP Software for fear of making a | | | | business and a commercial satellite and broadcast |
| wrong, costly investment. | | | | business. After the merger, Central Communications |
| However, many small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) | | | | continued to process invoices with the Pronto |
| that have been using decade-old systems are now | | | | accounting system, which was the program used at |
| acknowledging the need to upgrade the system that | | | | one of the originating companies. All other job |
| is the backbone their business. | | | | management and tracking tasks were done manually. |
| Owners are also finding other software programs | | | | The lack of an integrated database meant an |
| that have worked previously, no longer function well | | | | employee either manually entered the information on |
| with other new business processes, leading to an | | | | paper forms or typed the information into their |
| inflexibility that eventually hinders the working cycle | | | | department's computer program. Typically, the |
| across a company's business portfolio. Whatever the | | | | information was emailed between departments if |
| reason, many companies are now investigating ERP | | | | stored electronically. |
| as a solution to help significantly contribute more to | | | | Fuelled with the need for a new system to |
| the bottom line. | | | | accompany the new business, Central |
| Although many SMBs balk at the idea of investing in | | | | Communications tried the Jim2 Business, and almost |
| ERP - thinking that they could not possibly afford to | | | | immediately, processes began to change for the |
| make the sizable investment in this technology - it | | | | better. The Jim2 Business Engine integrated Central |
| holds true and somewhat inevitable that SMBs can no | | | | Communications accounting, workflow and business |
| longer afford NOT to have an ERP system in their | | | | process management into one software package |
| business. | | | | that is designed to support every aspect of the |
| The time and resources spent on administration in | | | | workflow cycle. Jim2 managed to free staff from |
| supporting multiple platforms across different | | | | the burden of tedious administration work, lowering |
| departments can be eradicated with a simple ERP | | | | overhead costs, and offering a fully controlled and |
| package. | | | | monitored system for management reports, while |
| SMBs need to know that ERP is no longer just for | | | | being user-friendly and accurate, all at the same time. |
| the fat cats. ERP software vendors know that there | | | | Marc Woods, Director at Central Communications |
| is a bigger slice of the pie out there for them with | | | | said, "Happen Business did some customisation and |
| SMBs. These vendors have tailored their ERP | | | | the Scheduler Calendar system was born. This |
| solutions for such companies, so that they can also | | | | system is invaluable in tracking our appointments and |
| take advantage of ERP for maximum efficiency in | | | | meetings. It is very easy to use and has key |
| conducting business. | | | | features, such as opening a job directly from the |
| Smaller companies that have outgrown MYOB and | | | | calendar screen. The level of detail and customer |
| Quickbooks are now able to reap huge rewards from | | | | focus put into this project was excellent." |
| using an ERP system that has been specifically | | | | While an ERP system can be quite an investment, its |
| designed for their business. A good ERP system can | | | | monetary benefits are long term. |
| be affordable for small and medium businesses and | | | | Knowing the costs up front can help with the |
| can save a significant amount of money on | | | | decision on buying a good ERP system. Here are five |
| administration in the long run because ERP ties | | | | things to consider when purchasing an ERP system: |
| together all facets of a business, and is able to | | | | |
| provide unique insight into managing the company. | | | | 1. Functionality and flexibility - does the ERP system |
| For example, the Jim2 Business Engine from Happen | | | | offer solutions that fit your business requirements? |
| Business is designed specifically for SMBs to take | | | | Tailored options can be a huge asset to your |
| advantage of ERP. The software helps SMBs drive | | | | company, and flexibility allows the system to adapt |
| down costs, manage their data more effectively and | | | | as the company grows |
| operate more efficiently. For example, the Jim2 | | | | 2. Cost of software - how many staff would be |
| Business Engine provides a quality system framework | | | | performing tasks with the system? Licensing costs |
| and a front-end interface to manage business | | | | are usually dependent on the number of users |
| workflow and processes, representing a substantial | | | | 3. Implementation - are you able to invest the time |
| move away from running small to medium-sized | | | | and resources for data conversion? Time for data |
| businesses via standard accounting software. | | | | migration needs to be set aside for an efficient ERP |
| Putting in a good ERP software will give any | | | | system |
| company the ability to consolidate, measure and | | | | 4. Training - does the vendor offer complete and |
| control the business. | | | | practical training support? |
| It can also help improve customer, vendor and staff | | | | 5. On going support - does the ERP package offer |
| relationships. | | | | after sales support? Good customer service is an |
| Five important facts about an ERP system: | | | | essential factor for ERP in order to maintain the |
| | | | system and keep it working to its maximum |
| 1. Affordable for small and medium businesses | | | | efficiency. |
| 2. Saves you money on administration | | | | While like Central Communications, your business may |
| 3. ERP ties together all facets of your business | | | | be too small for SAP there are other ERP |
| 4. Provides proper "Big Business" reporting - essential | | | | alternatives available to help you manage your |
| for any size business At the risk of using a cliche... if | | | | business. |
| you can't measure it, you can't manage it". | | | | So when it comes to choosing an ERP system for |
| 5. Is flexible and will grow with you | | | | your company, regardless of size, research well to |
| In the case of Central Communications, a company | | | | find a solution that best meets your needs. |
| that offers complete turnkey solutions and services | | | | |