Making a change to your systems is a big decision. So its important to get the right help choosing an ERP system.

Maybe you’re:

• Moving away from spreadsheets
• Replacing an old or clunky system
• Trying to bring multiple tools into one place
• Or simply looking to save a bit of money (something we can all get behind)

Either way, choosing the right system matters just as much as choosing to change.

Why getting help with sourcing matters

Most businesses don’t change systems often. So when you do, it’s easy to get pulled into whatever looks best in a demo.

Having someone experienced to help you source and assess systems gives you two big advantages:

• Speed: you don’t waste weeks sitting through 5… sometimes 10… demos.
• Objectivity: you get a view of what actually fits your business, not what a vendor is trying to sell.

And there’s a third benefit people don’t talk about enough: you get access to someone who keeps up to date with the latest systems and capabilities, so you’re not choosing from a shortlist that’s already out of date.

What a well-fitted ERP should give you

When an ERP is chosen properly and implemented with your real processes in mind, the payoff is huge:

• Visibility across the business (you can finally see what’s happening without chasing updates)
• Everyone working in one place (less double-entry, fewer “which spreadsheet is the latest?” moments)
• Simpler onboarding for new staff (because processes live in the system, not in someone’s head)
• Lower running costs through smarter processes and automation

In short: you save time, reduce friction, and make the business easier to run.

1) Fit for how your business actually works

Not how the software demo looks. Not how the vendor says you should work.

The system must support your real-world processes:

• How orders are taken
• How work flows between teams
• Where exceptions happen
• What’s manual today (and why)

If the system forces workarounds on day one, it’s the wrong system.

The best ERPs adapt to the business not the other way round.

2) Visibility and integration (without the mess)

An ERP should become your single source of truth, not just another tool to log into.

Look for:

• Real-time visibility across sales, operations, finance, and stock
• Integration with existing tools where it makes sense
• Data flowing once, not being re-keyed into multiple systems

If people are still jumping between systems or spreadsheets after go-live, you’ve missed the point.

3) Scalability, cost, and long-term value

The cheapest option often becomes the most expensive later.

Before you commit, ask:

• Will this still work in 2–3 years as we grow?
• How easy is it to add users, modules, or automation?
• What’s the true cost of ownership (not just the licence fee)?

A good ERP supports growth without constantly increasing headcount or complexity.

The common thread

The best ERP decisions come from two things:

• A clear understanding of how the business actually runs
• An objective view of what’s available in the market

That’s why having someone who stays up to date with systems and can filter the options based on your needs saves time, money, and a lot of frustration.

If you’re thinking about moving away from spreadsheets, replacing an old system, or bringing your tools into one place, I’m happy to help you sense-check the options.

Let’s have a quick chat