You are already familiar with enterprise resource planning (ERP) giants like SAP’s S/4HANA which is the successor to SAP ECC, Oracle NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics.
They are popular across many different business sectors and offer an impressive selection of features. In some cases, you can take a modular approach so you can choose what you need when you need it. However, you might need to sign up for bundles with more functionality than you currently need. You’ll want to review your business requirements to decide whether these options meet the needs of your technology business.
You might also feel that choosing a mainstream solution will simplify integration with your business to business (B2B) ecommerce platform and other business systems.
However, missed deadlines, overrun budgets and unmet goals are common shortcomings in ERP implementation projects. Choosing the right ERP solution for your business is the first essential step to avoid these problems.
A purpose designed B2B ecommerce platform like Cloudfy comes with a powerful application programming interface (API) for customization. You’re free to choose the best in breed ERP solution for your technology business. You can still benefit from B2B ERP-ecommerce integration to take your sales to the next level.
Before you choose an ERP system here are some less well-known options we’ve looked at that you might also consider.
Cloudfy is a B2B ecommerce solution purpose designed for complex operations in the technology industry. It offers robust B2B and direct to consumer (D2C) features to meet your online sales needs.
With data directly from your ERP system you can simplify and scale your online sales. Your seamless customer self-service portal provides end to end order visibility. Pricing, warehouse management, payments, and personalized customer experiences are all simplified. You’ll minimize manual data entry so you can streamline and simplify processes and automate workflows. Accuracy is improved so you’ll have more satisfied customers too.
As a software as a service (SaaS) solution you’ll always be at the forefront of technology with regular updates in the cloud. You can easily scale to meet peak sales demand and it can grow with your business.
Which ERP is best for my technology business?
The best solution for your business depends on your customers’ needs and your requirements for functionality, customizations and integrations. It will also depend on your company’s size, budget, future needs and plans for growth. Here we take a look at three ERP options you might not have considered for your technology business.
Epicor
As with many ERP systems you’ll find Epicor offers robust tools for financial control and customer relationship management (CRM). It also provides production and materials (MRP/BOM) and supply chain management tools. You can choose cloud-based or on-premises solutions that are proving popular with mid-sized companies in the manufacturing and technology sectors. The no or low code approach means it’s flexible and it has a simple, intuitive browser-based user interface.
Make-to-order (MTO), engineer-to-order (ETO), configure-to-order (CTO) options make Epicor attractive for rapidly expanding and emerging technology businesses. It’s scalable and modular so you can speed up implementation to support business growth and expansion. Its features include 2D and 3D visual configurations, real-time production and process monitoring, and quality and compliance management. Supply chain and maintenance management and integrated field service automation are also available.
One of the attractions of Epicor is its ease of use, even for infrequent users. It also includes embedded help and training courses, videos, and a training curriculum.
Acumatica
Acumatica also delivers key ERP elements like financial management and CRM alongside production and materials (MRP/BOM) and supply chain management. It’s a cloud-based ERP solution with advanced financial features to handle deferred and recurring revenue, project accounting, contract management, and asset depreciation. It also supports multilingual translations, localized business practices, multicurrency, international accounting and taxes.
Flexible consumption-based licensing supports collaboration between employees and third parties through access to information and systems. Its open API supports connectivity, big data analytics, robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). It also includes rapid development tools to support evolving business needs.
Users can access certified industry and business applications from the marketplace and free online training is available from its own ‘Open University’.
Syspro
Syspro offers a suite of financial, production and materials (MRP/BOM) management tools particularly suitable for multi-site or multinational operations. It also includes supply chain and CRM solutions. On-premises, software as a service and hybrid deployment options make it a flexible choice for technology companies.
Syspro functionality includes manufacturing operations management (MOM), inventory optimization and management, distribution and procurement. Its low-code or no code approach supports customization and extensibility for growing businesses. You can also tailor your solution with out-of-the-box integrations, connectors, and business process automation tools.
Online training is available through ‘LearnIt’ and the company also provides classroom and on-site training.
ERP comparisons
Each of these solutions offers the core ERP functions you would expect, so your choice will depend on your requirements.
Epicor is a good choice if your business values flexibility and is focussed on data-driven decision-making and customer service. It’s ease of use helps you streamline implementation.
If you’re looking for a complete view of your international operations it’s worth looking closely at Acumatica’s connectivity options. If you have a broad network of business partners it’s consumption-based licensing might also interest you.
Syspro prioritizes customization and extensibility and offers flexibility for businesses that want a long-term business partner to support growth. If data visibility, analysis and informed decision-making are priorities for your business Syspro is worth considering.
B2B ecommerce and ERP integration for sales in the technology industry with Cloudfy
Whatever ERP solution you choose for your technology business, Cloudfy can unlock the power of seamless integration. It’s a one-stop-shop solution for streamlining your business operations, improving efficiency and enhancing customer experiences.
Whether you choose one of the ERP giants or a more industry-specific option we understand integration is a complex task. That’s why our expert team handles it all for you. You can focus on growing your business while we take care of the technicalities.
We’ll simplify importing and exporting data between your cloud-based or on-premises ERP solution and B2B ecommerce platform. You can maintain accurate and up-to-date product information, inventory levels, pricing, customer data, and order details. You’ll minimize manual data entry throughout your operations and deliver reliable and accurate customer service.
Find out how to simplify, save and scale B2B operations in the technology industry with Cloudfy and ERP integration. Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
ERP systems help you respond more quickly to market changes, which is important in the fast-moving technology sector. An ERP system is designed to streamline management of your business finances and resources. When you implement an ERP system you’ll have real-time analytics to improve your decision making and support business growth. With integrated project management and control you can improve customer engagement and deliver seamless customer experiences.
The technology industry is part of the transformation landscape for all businesses. Innovation and change are part of your everyday operations. This means you must be ready to respond to change at the right time and in the right way.
An ERP system collects and analyzes business data from across your organization in real-time to provide operational and market insights. This helps you to reduce costs, integrate processes and improve communications. Better access to data builds stronger relationships with your customers and suppliers. Your business becomes more agile so you can keep pace with your customers’ needs and expectations.
You can also streamline supply chain management processes including procurement, production planning, scheduling and inventory management. You’ll reduce lead times, improve quality, and minimize costs.
Popular approaches to ERP implementation range from a single company-wide launch to a step-by-step approach according to your business needs. You might choose a solution in the cloud, an on-premises option or go for a hybrid approach.
The first step is to analyze what your business needs from its ERP system, now and in the future. This helps you choose the right ERP solution and the best implementation approach. You’ll also need to take into account your current IT infrastructure and in-house expertise. To keep everything on track you’ll also want effective quality control, key performance indicators (KPIs), and regular reporting.
One of the important benefits of an ERP system is that all your important data is in one place. However, data conversion from multiple existing systems is often one of the biggest challenges. You’ll need to merge and deduplicate your records and check them carefully. If you choose in on-premises solution you’ll need to consider purchasing new servers and workstations alongside connectivity and security. You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of explaining the benefits of change, user training and organization-wide adoption.
Yes, you can centralize data and processes in your ERP system. This reduces manual data entry and minimizes repetitive administrative activities. Automation and integration improve business workflows, reduce errors, and speed up decision-making. Overall, you’ll make much better use of your resources.
