Common Problems Solved by Industry-Specific ERPs

Industry-specific ERPs are built to meet the needs of your industry and will come loaded with the features that your business needs. We previously looked at the differences between generic ERPs and industry-specific ERPs — plus why an industry-specific ERP is probably the right choice for you. Below we will address some of the common questions, prresources/blog/industry-specific-erps-vs-generic-erpsoblems, and concerns manufacturers have about ERPs and how a manufacturing-specific ERP can help.

Why do I have to spend so much money to customize my ERP?

The hard truth of the matter is that any customization you need to make to your ERP software is going to cost money. If you have a large budget and long timeframe, customization can give you the exact features you want. But this takes time and resources from your ERP provider to get it right, which translates into higher costs for you. You can also expect to pay more over the lifespan of the software, as when you need to make updates or upgrades to your ERP software down the line, you will most likely require some help to work around the customizations.

Industry-specific ERP software is created by industry experts and will already have the features you need out-of-the-box. This makes it a more economical choice as you can avoid costly customizations and get more functionality right out of the gate.

Today’s marketplace is filled with niche ERP providers, meaning there is an ERP system for every type of business. If you take some time during your ERP search to research various providers, you can find the right system for you — complete with the features you need.

Why is it taking me so long to implement my ERP?

All ERP implementation projects take time (and money). However, systems that require lots of customization are expensive to buy and take much longer to implement. An industry-specific ERP will take less time, as you don’t have to wait for customizations to be completed. Industry-specific ERPs also have dedicated ERP implementation teams made up of experts from your industry. This means that they will understand your business from the get-go and will be able to get your ERP system up and running more quickly.

It’s also worth a mention that a long implementation timeline is one of the biggest causes of ERP implementation failure. It’s best to get (at least parts) of your ERP system in place quickly to give you the best shot of completing your project. An industry specialist will be able to help you do just that. By knowing your business inside and out, they will be able to guide you through the process and help you create the best implementation plan for your business.

Isn’t Oracle the best ERP? Shouldn’t I get it?

I’m not going to say that Oracle or other big-name ERP systems aren’t good. They are. Oracle is one of the biggest and best-known ERP systems because it is a multifaceted and multifunctional enterprise resource planning system.

But, and this is a big but, a brand-name ERP might not be the best system for your business. Bigger isn’t always better, but bigger is almost always more expensive. If you are an enterprise-level corporation, Oracle or a similar system is probably the best choice for you. But if you are a small- to medium-sized business and lack an enterprise-level budget, a system more tailored to your needs is probably a better choice for you.

The best ERP system is the right ERP system for you. It’s crucial to find the system that best aligns with your business’s needs and goals — and even better if that system doesn’t require high levels of customization. Not to belabor the point, but it’s worth repeating that industry-specific ERPs are equipped with features created specifically for your industry and business. By researching industry-specific ERP providers, you will find a system that is the right fit for your business — giving you the best ERP for you.

RELATED ARTICLE: What is the best ERP?

Help! My ERP vendor doesn’t understand my business!

An ERP specialist from a generic ERP system is just that: a specialist with high-level expertise in ERPs. These specialists will know everything there is to know about ERPs plus have a good understanding of basic business functions — but they aren’t industry experts. Generally, with a generic ERP system, you will have to bring in an additional outside consultant from within your industry to help with the more specific functionalities of your business.

An ERP specialist from an industry-specific ERP system will be an ERP expert — but will also be an industry expert. Manufacturing-specific ERPs are staffed by manufacturing industry experts that have an innate understanding of your business. They will be well versed in industry terminology and business processes and know the challenges your business faces — plus how to overcome them.

If you want an ERP vendor that truly understands your industry and your business, an industry-specific ERP is your answer. They will have decades of experience within your industry and are better equipped to guide you through all phases of your ERP project — and ensure that your ERP system works for you.

Last Words of Advice

Finding the right ERP for your business is critical. Manufacturers need to have the right ERP system now more than ever. But remember, what works for others may not be the right choice for you and vice versa. Do some research into different systems and see how their functionality fits the needs of your unique business. By doing so, you will find the ERP system that makes the most sense for your business.

Need help on how to find the right ERP system for you? Read our step-by-step guide on how to select the right ERP for you.