• Better Efficiency – Because integrated ERP software reduces duplication, it aids in helping a business run smoother and faster. When all data can be combined in an integrated system there is no need for double entry and checking for consistency. With a single integrated system you can be assured the data is precise and so inputting data takes less time and effort
• Increased Productivity – When your staff use an integrated ERP system, they are confident in knowing the data is accurate. This means they can find necessary information from the integrated database without having to check multiple sources for the most up to date feed. Improved accuracy and efficiency from the ERP integrated system means time can be spent more productively on customer satisfaction and increased business.
• Customer Satisfaction – With an ERP database providing consistent and reliable data, more time is allowed in helping the customer with their needs. An ERP integrated database means you will be able to provide the customer with correct information. When the customer is satisfied, it is more likely they will return and offer their business again.
• Improved Cash Flow – Better information means more accurate purchasing and the ability to time receipts to reduce warehouse storage.   This not only saves on storage costs, but also lessens the time that your cash is tied up with stock before converting the sale.
• Higher profits – Great efficiency means less waste, better service, and more profit.  You can reduce overheads and/or redeploy assets to more profitable activities, but ERP software implementation can give you a good return on investment.

Using an ERP software package, more can be achieved in less time because there is no duplication of work, and no need to check multiple sources to find what data is accurate.  Time can be utilised more productively when using an ERP integrated system, which leads to a better working environment and higher profits.

Key indicators that your business needs a new software solution include:

When your company is no longer receiving effective support for software functions, problems and technical issues.

If these indicators are present it could be a sign that your business software solution is underperforming; leading to:

Naturally any business director or manager aims to avoid these problems, which is why it is so important to recognise when your business software is underperforming and when it may be time to opt for an integrated ERP software solution. Fundamentally, identifying that new software is essential and choosing the right software package are two processes that can significantly affect the direction of any business.

Below are 7 important questions to consider before signing with a software partner:

1. Will this partner be able to understand my business and recognise where implementation will benefit my procedures and processes?
2. What level and types of services will be provided by this partner through the implementation of the software?
3. Importantly, what are the costs involved in utilising the software, what return on investment will this partner be able to offer my business?
4. If my business needs support, will this support be provided in a way that minimises downtime?
5. Is this partner an effective communicator and do I as a person feel comfortable conversing with their representatives?
6. Can this partner back up their claims with a good reputation with existing customers and also a solid number of referrals?
7. In the rapidly changing environment that is software resale, can this partner keep up to date with industry developments and assist my company in adapting to these changes?

In addition to the point above it is important to consider the speciality of the re-seller. Microsoft software re-sellers are regularly encouraged to specialise in certain markets so that they are able to offer solutions that are not only technically proficient but also suitable for specific industries. That said, there are instances where the industry in which a company operates does not have a specialist provider or as a company you may feel that utilising specialist services is not the answer.

It is also important to remember that in the modern world the locality of your supplier should not be a deal breaking issue. With a partner that understands the power of remote working and is also able to commit to on-site meetings, geography should rarely, if ever be a major consideration.

Ultimately the choice of partner is about deciding which re-seller will be able to provide an effective software solution that offers considerable ROI and improved processes. Additionally however, it should be remembered that any re-seller should be able to offer a service that partners your business, working with it to achieve goals and growth.

Solutions to inventory management range from sole serving software that purely controls inventory and stock, to all encompassing ERP software that combine a whole range of different business functions as well as inventory management. There may be an argument for having a sole purpose solution; however this can soon be outweighed by the fact that all encompassing solutions are highly efficient with no duplication of work and customisable, allowing businesses to adapt the software so that it meets their demands perfectly.

If you are going to run a mid supply chain company smoothly and successfully, automating your inventory management and having accurate inventory information readily available is vital. By having a solution that provides flexible functionality and precise information on in-depth aspects of the inventory process, it is possible to maximise profits (through minimising your bottom line) and also ensure that your customers receive accurate updates on their orders and deliveries, greatly improving your company’s reputation.

Features of an integrated solution make it the most appealing option for businesses. It can provide applications such as item tracking and inventory costing, just like a sole serving solution but additionally it can provide inventory costing, item substitution and provide business notifications ensuring that your inventory management team are kept up to date with all relevant information pertaining to stock levels and inventory.

Whilst dedicated inventory management software certainly has benefits, in the modern distribution and importation industries there is a massive demand for integrated solutions. The cross functionality of ERP software and Microsoft Dynamics NAV in particular allows businesses to not only control their stock effectively but also to manage a host of different business functions. Ultimately this helps to increase efficiency within the company, improves customer relationships and also aids profit generation.

As early as the sixties, ERP software was being used. In the early stages, the predominant function of ERP software was as an inventory management and control tool. Fundamentally it was the automation of inventory processes such as monitoring and accurate reporting, as well as the ability to define forecasts and goals that made these early ERP solutions valuable. The heritage of ERP software as an inventory management tool continues to this day with Microsoft Dynamics NAV providing companies with a range of different inventory management and stock control features.

Over the next two decades ERP was steadily improved, specifically in regards to the software and operating interfaces. The software also started to be used in the planning of projects and business operations. By the end of the eighties ERP software offered companies combined tools across many different facets of business operations.

It was in the nineties however that ERP software made some of the largest leaps forward. It was at this point that software options were offered on a multi module basis. With the growth in popularity of the personal computer and server technology, modern ERP software capable of performing management tasks across inventory, human resources, financing, manufacturing, purchasing, sales and marketing was born.

With the turn of the millennium the technological advancements made in internet enabled software opened up a new realm to ERP solutions. At this point in the marketplace there were a number of different company mergers. For instance, Navision (the forebear of Microsoft Dynamics) merged with Danish rival Damgaard in 2000; Microsoft noted the huge potential of ERP in the small to mid-range markets and purchased Navision for its Microsoft Business Solutions division.

In 2005 Microsoft rebranded it’s business division and Microsoft Dynamics NAV was born with closer integration to other packages in the Microsoft stack, such as Office and Pocket PC. Since this time Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 has been released offering a role based user interface, a SharePoint based portal and SQL based reporting. Microsoft is continuing to pump record investment into the Dynamics NAV development as the market continues to grow.

Today ERP software and Microsoft Dynamics NAV in particular offers businesses enhanced productivity and administrative functionality. The software is simple and easy to use, secure and integrates well with other Microsoft software; making it a highly valuable organisational and operational tool in a range of business environments and market sectors.

Microsoft Dynamics Zero Percent Financing Promotion enables customers to spread the cost of a new Microsoft Dynamics over 36 months with 0% interest on Microsoft Dynamics New License including the first year Business Ready Enhancement Plan / Software Assurance utilising a standard Microsoft Financing commercial loan or lease payment solution.

According to Ashley McIntyre, ACMA , “The current economic climate has only added importance to business efficiency. Dynamics NAV software is performing strongly and the return on investment figures will only be strengthened with the zero percent financing offer.”

Derek Fisher, Sales Director for Evo-soft attributes the success to a combination of long term sales effort together with some new short term referral prospects  who immediately saw the benefits of the Evo-soft tailored supply chain version of Dynamics NAV for their company.  Fisher stated, “We are always pleased to see the referral business, as it shows that our clients are having a positive experience with the software and service.”

Oliver Norton, Microsoft   Account Manager, states, “I recently sat in on an Evo-soft demonstration for a prospect, and was highly impressed at the level of development Evo-soft had done to support its vertical market.  The number of new accounts Evo-soft is adding is a tribute that that work.”

Working with the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, “desirability studies” capture not just user’s responses to software, but their emotions. A key part included showing users dozens of images and asking them to select which ones best expressed how the software they were testing made them feel. According to Jakob Nielsen, principal user experience manager at Microsoft Dynamics, a combination of picture choices and reasons for making that choice provided much better feedback for fixing usability issues than straight, verbal descriptions of what they did or didn’t like.

The Feel IT methodology is another step up the evolution rung beyond usability, said Nielsen. “In the beginning, there was a lot of focus on features and making applications useful. Over the last 15 to 20 years, the focus has been not only on usefulness, but usability. We’re saying that may not be enough. Software should not only be usable, but the entire experience desirable.”

In addition to new functionality, Feel IT will be used to develop future versions of various ERP applications, including Dynamics NAV 2009 due out later this year, said Mogens Elsberg, GM of Microsoft Dynamics.