(Newswire.net — September 20, 2016) — It’s a common misconception that an ERP is only necessary for large and midsized businesses. The thinking goes that the expense of this technology is prohibitive and the features are unnecessary. However, in reality an ERP is both an accessible and necessary tool for small businesses and even startups. Here’s why:
Jump Start Productivity
Being productive and therefore profitable is essential for any new business. An ERP streamlines operations, introduces efficiencies, and alleviates friction in a way that has a direct impact on the bottom line. Every business has an incentive to accomplish as much as possible as early as possible.
Streamline Intelligence
Most startups are in a perpetual state of growth. During this fast-paced evolution, it’s essential for all parties to have access to all information at all times. In the absence of an ERP it is easy for this data to live in silos: inside of departments and inaccessible to anyone outside of those departments. Breaking down those silos and making data universally accessible eliminates the kinds of confusions and conflicts that limit a startup’s growth potential.
Facilitate Collaboration
It is imperative for all startups to leverage the full potential of their staff. With an ERP in place, everyone on the team can freely share, access, and update the most current information possible. That creates exciting opportunities for collaboration and empowers any small businesses to do more with less.
Lower Costs
Startups can’t afford to waste money. Paying for multiple applications and the attendant costs of data management is exactly the kind of waste these businesses are trying to avoid. An ERP accounting tool is a single product with a single licensing cost that streamlines and automates the kinds of tasks that distract staff from revenue-generating opportunities. The upfront cost of an ERP might seem significant, but the long-term savings are far more significant.
Generate Business Insights
Small businesses have to put up a mighty effort to gain market share and competitive advantages. For that reason, careful, reasoned, effective strategizing is essential. That is almost impossible to do without having access to all relevant data in one place and optimized with smart features for analyzing and forecasting. An ERP provides exactly the kinds of tools startups need to make their mark.
Craft Culture
Company culture is especially important in the small setting of a startup. An ERP may be a tech tool, but it has a powerful impact on how your team interacts with one another and defines their individual roles within the company. When everyone is able to share information and contribute to projects, it fosters an open, positive, and innovative culture that pays dividends down the road.
If the cost or complication of implementing an ERP still seems prohibitive, consider the variety of ERP options on the market. There are products available that fit into your budget, conform to your workflows and business objectives, and minimize your IT burden. Don’t write off the exciting potential of an ERP before first investigating the full range of options available to your startup.