ERP Customizations: An Overview

In implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution, many factors come into play. One of the most prominent is the potential customization of your selection. These are additions specifically included in the installation as requested by the client.

While some may be surprised, this isn’t uncommon for those purchasing an ERP. Most ERP implementations feature some variable of customization in their systems. Even firms that use the system as is, with no changes, tend to customize later.

Manufacturers looking to implement a new ERP must decide if they would like to add some select customizations to their system. The question becomes: what are the benefits and downsides of customization?

The positives

Every organization has elements that are unique to their respective business and industry. These parts are critical to the wellbeing of the company and play a decisive role. Without them in place, it would be impossible to accomplish the same level of success.

By adding customizations to the ERP solution, these aspects can be retained without losing the distinct features and competitive advantage of the organization.

Some ERPs will be closer to what you want then others, but even a well-designed ERP may be lacking functionalities that are key to your business processes. This can be rectified with add-ons that will remove any potential barriers you might face.

As an ERP one-stop shop with 25 years’ experience, Datix has the expertise to help you find the ERP best for your organization and implement any customizations or add-ons you need. Datix is one of the few nonbiased ERP consultants that can work with six of the leading ERPs for manufacturers. Our team knows the advantages of each platform as well as the best add-ons available, allowing us to recommend a tailored solution that most aligns with your business. Discover how Datix can simplify your systems.

Those pesky negatives

Customization can be good, but you should never add customizations for customizations sake. Adding more than necessary to your day-to-day operations might transform your system into a complex nightmare. Procedures, intended to be simple, become worse in the long run. All of which can impede your business’s performance and prevent its growth from taking shape.

With procedures no longer performing their intended function, the drawbacks will begin to accumulate. This will become all the more prevalent when costs and maintenance are considered. Keeping these programs functioning will become frustrating when they are not living up to expectations. Unproductive systems and customizations only drain your budget, resources and time.

What can be done?

There is always a danger of over-customizing, but the right ERP consultant will guide you to identify and incorporate only the customizations you need. In fact, even with customizations, this partner should be able to make your overall business processes simpler and more effective. Here are the steps an ERP consultant should support to ensure a customized ERP solution that functions optimally for your business.

1) Analysis/Design

When developing your plan, it’s best to have an idea of what the solution should be. Having a sense of how it should work and function is essential to the overall project.

When working with an ERP partner, ask them to analyze every aspect of your organization so they can come up with the right plan for your business and strengthen your relationship. This will also determine the scale and scope of the software being selected. At Datix, we always take a business-first approach with our clients by understanding how they work and recommending a tailored solution that addresses their challenges.

In terms of customizations, don’t get carried away with making changes. You need to determine what parts of the original program need to be tailored towards your objectives and how to prevent costly maintenance later on. Your ERP consultant should be able to guide this planning.

2) Testing

Before any installation, testing your planned option is critical to the well-being of its eventual implementation. Beyond the initial setup, it is important to ensure that the incoming system will be compatible with the added customizations and the organization’s business processes. A strong partner will thoroughly test their offering for clients to make sure of its functionality. Each part must be carefully examined to demonstrate its potential strengths and weaknesses.

Corrections can be made to the solution if they are spotted during testing. Addressing the latent problems before launch can avoid unnecessary headaches that would manifest later.

3) Training

No ERP implementation is complete without the benefits of a proper training period with your chosen partner. Training must encompass every part of the company and all employees within each section. Without this, any strengths of the ERP will be non-existent for the enterprise.

Whether it’s conducted online or onsite, all training sessions must go beyond the basics of using the software. They’ll have to present the most complex parts of the system and transform them into general knowledge. When done correctly, you’ll have a far better installation process with a staff fully prepared for their incoming selection. From start to finish, Datix can help with every step of your implementation, so you achieve the results you want.

Wrap Up

Customizing your ERP solution can be challenging when done without a strong partner or plan. To find the right amount of customization, it is necessary to focus on your main priorities with the help of a partner like Datix.

Done properly, customizations offer a superior ERP implementation that will propel your business in a new direction.

Find out more in the Ultimate CRM and ERP Implementation Plan E-Book

About Datix

With over two decades in the industry, Datix is the ERP consultant of choice for manufacturers and distributors. We believe in “being the best with the best” and look for partners who match our commitment to solving real issues and doing what it takes. Our in-depth analysis of our clients and their business needs allows us to maximize their software investments to the fullest.

Learn More About Our Mission to Our Clients