Software Integration for SMBs 

Information silos: They’re the enemy of any modern business. Our ever-growing mass of enterprise data becomes siloed in separate locations, departments and software applications, interrupting workflows and hindering visibility.  

It’s easy to imagine this problem at large enterprises, with their global sites and dozens of IT systems. However, information silos plague small and midsize businesses as well. With fewer resources than big businesses, how can these SMBs tackle this challenge without breaking the bank? 

Luckily, software integrations serve as effective solutions for companies of all sizes. An integration connects multiple applications into a single source of truth, giving users access to up-to-date data throughout the enterprise. By eradicating information silos and fueling end-to-end visibility, software integrations empower small businesses to rival the performance of their largest competitors. 

Not convinced that an integration is right for your SMB? Keep reading to find out the benefits your small business can reap by connecting your ERP and CRM systems. 

Reduce Costs 

Businesses that fully integrate their systems see 40 percent more revenue growth than those that maintain completely separate platforms. That’s because of the insights that result when your data is updated and managed in a single spot. But integrations don’t just help you increase profits; they also help you cut costs.  

The IT resources required to implement, upgrade and maintain separate ERP and CRM systems can take a toll on your bottom line. With an integration, there’s only one solution to worry about, meaning fewer errors and fewer IT expenses. Additionally, businesses save a lot of money on software training. Rather than learn a completely new system, users can stick with their familiar interfaces and easily pick up on a few post-integration changes.  

However, many small companies still think software integration is out of their reach. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In the past, connecting ERP and CRM systems required painstaking custom coding. The complexity and cost of this method made integrations prohibitive to SMBs. Fortunately, the advent of pre-built integration solutions has allowed businesses of all sizes to reap the benefits of forming a connected enterprise.  

A pre-built application such as Unity can seamlessly integrate ERP and CRM without the hassle of coding. The entire integration project normally takes a month or less with expert consultants taking care of the installation. Once installed, they also handle any errors and maintenance. No matter your internal resources or budget, Unity is an easy, affordable solution to connect your enterprise platforms.  

Improve Customer Experiences 

Increasingly, customers aren’t flocking to the brands with the most name recognition. They’re seeking out businesses that provide the best service, giving small companies a chance to compete with big enterprises. But it’s difficult to win deals against large businesses win your CRM and ERP data remains siloed, preventing users from achieving a 360-degree view of customers.  

With an integration, all the information you need to provide optimal customer experiences is in one place. That means service agents can immediately provide customers with their order status when they call. A sales rep can retrieve inventory levels and updated pricing to instantly produce quotes. Manufacturers can accurately plan for future customer demand using CRM data.  

Integrating ERP and CRM automates processes and facilitates end-to-end visibility. This makes it possible to predict what your customers want, when they want it. By connecting your software, you can become a fast, customer-centric enterprise that beats the competition.  

Increase Efficiency 

At small businesses, employees tend to wear a lot of hats. Especially in today’s manufacturing climate, SMEs are often taking on the same challenges as large corporations but with a fraction of the workers. These companies don’t have time to waste on manual data entry and other rote tasks. 

Fortunately, an ERP and CRM integration reduces the time it takes to complete menial operations. Rather than duplicate data in each system, any change in one interface is reflected in the other. This not only saves time but also lessens errors.  

Additionally, workflows are automated throughout your enterprise. No more switching between platforms to execute operations. Processes such as order fulfillment, document validation or payment authorization can take place seamlessly. With automated workflows and data collection, operations that once took days of frustrating back-and-forth communication and tedious labor can now be finished in no time.  

Wrap Up 

You might not run the largest or most complex business in your industry, but that doesn’t make software integration beyond your grasp or unnecessary for optimal performance. Integrating ERP and CRM software provides the savings, insights and efficiency that you need to grow and improve your enterprise. 

Datix, a certified Epicor Gold Partner, has executed countless integrations in our two decades of consulting. Unity, our pre-built integration solution, seamlessly connects Epicor with CRM, eCommerce or Marketing Automation software. Scalable, reliable and affordable, Unity is the easiest way for manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to form a connected enterprise. 

Run your business from a single source of truth. Learn how by contacting Datix today!  

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