A key operating principle reminds us that if there is a gap in operational efficiency, the gap will only widen as the business grows, leading to more serious losses in the long run. This means businesses should focus on simplifying, refining and automating processes to close gaps before scaling.
So it makes sense that many businesses turn to an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system before scaling. This is because the right ERP system will enable businesses to reduce manual processes and improve operational efficiency, thereby reducing wastage of time and money. Streamlining and automating accounting and financial operations also reduces the risk of human error and frees up staff to focus on more valuable tasks.
“The result? These operational gaps were filled and the business was in a better position to expand,” said Lihle Bikitsha, senior director of sales for enterprise applications at iOCO.
A recent report from Oracle confirms the effectiveness of this approach, noting that while ERP implementations are misleading and considered costly, savvy small businesses are realizing that “many of today’s cloud-based ERP systems are Within reach.”
It is increasingly evident in the market that affordability and faster, phased implementation approaches are driving ERP adoption globally. Most small businesses still face two questions: Are we ready to scale, and when is the best time to invest in tools to facilitate expansion? Of course, as the report confirms, many people also consider purchasing a powerful ERP system before their business grows enough to afford such a system.
“The reality is that ERP solutions designed for use by small businesses are designed to deliver the best value for money – packaged into a comprehensive integrated solution that goes beyond the finance department, encapsulating ERP, accounting, CRM, e-commerce and professional services automation (PSA) integration,” Bikitsha added.
“With the right ERP solution, costs are reduced, data is automated and more secure, efficiency increases, productivity increases dramatically, and real insights into performance, processes and finances are easily gained.”
What makes ERP so powerful is its ability to fully integrate business functions and processes from finance to inventory, supply chain management, customer service and sales. Now, with solid growth-oriented processes and refinements based on real insights, these operational holes have been filled and the business is ready to scale its operations.
“The goal of any ambitious company is to prepare operations for continuous innovation, overall efficiency, and long-term growth. To achieve this, businesses that don’t rely on cost-effective, easy-to-use, agile business solutions are missing a trick .” Bikitsha concluded. “Why not leverage the resources available to your business to scale quickly and sustainably?”