Introduction
Technology moves quickly. If your company’s systems feel out of date and difficult to use, then your customers, vendors and staff will see your business as past its prime and dying out. In fact, if your platforms are frustrating to use, then many will start looking for a better option so they can take their business elsewhere. This means that your ERP needs to be extensible and adaptable to keep up with the latest technology and customer demands.
What is Extensibility?
Extensibility focuses on how easy it is to add new functions and capabilities to existing software. To get the most out of your ERP, it makes sense to choose an extensible system.
The User Experience
Nowadays, customers (B2B and retail) as well as vendors expect to be able to access their order, shipping and account information on any device (computers, tablets, smart phones) through either a website or an app. Offering this accessibility on so many different devices and platforms presents many logistical challenges to creating a smooth user experience. As these technologies advance, those difficulties only grow with time. The right ERP system will be designed with extensibility in mind so that your clients, vendors and team can use your system smoothly. Behind the scenes, the ERP is communicating with other interfaces to send and receive data, but the user simply experiences the sense of having the information they want at their fingertips. To find the right ERP to create an easy and adaptable user experience, work with an ERP consultant like Datix that will study your organization’s specific needs.
Be Wary of the “All-Inclusive” ERP
Some ERP systems promise an extensible ERP by claiming to be “all inclusive.” These systems are meant to offer ERP functionality in addition to features like a built in or “fully integrated” CRM, field service or ecommerce platform. Unfortunately, trying to do everything often leads to doing everything poorly, as opposed to doing one thing well. ERP systems should be good at what ERPs do: operational resource planning and controls. An extensible ERP will have accessible APIs that allow you to integrate with the best software so that your organization has a single, unified source of truth. If an ERP promises to “do it all” or has hard to access or hidden API data, then that’s a red flag. At Datix, we have expertise in a variety of digital transformative tools from ERP to CRM to BI to eCommerce, so our consultants can suggest the right setup for your unique business needs. Datix recommends the right tool for the right use: no “square peg, round hole” syndrome.
Forward Thinking and Adaptable
Your ERP needs to work for you today, but how will it work for you tomorrow? An extensible and adaptable system will allow your business to address new challenges and reimagine the value of your data. At Datix, we learn about the unique goals of each of our clients so that our ERP solutions are sure to meet their objectives now and evolve as their business grows. Our team will partner with you every step of the way during an implementation or planning for your business’ future.
Learn more in the Ultimate CRM and ERP Implementation Plan eBook
About Datix
Datix is the ERP consultant of choice for manufacturers and distributors. Our in-depth analysis of our clients and their business needs allows us to maximize their investments to the fullest.
