The benefits of implementing an ERP system can far outweigh the cost of the system, providing that the system is selected carefully and is appropriate for your company from a feature, cost, and technology standpoint. Some of the benefits are:

• Streamlining processes and workflows with a single integrated system
• Real time capabilities, no inventory shortages or wasted time spent transferring files
• Improves the productivity of process and personnel
• Information sharing across departmentsImproves access to information, workflow and efficiency
• Reduced inventory costs resulting from better planning, tracking and forecasting of requirements
• Turn collections faster based on better visibility into accounts and fewer billing and/or delivery errors
• Decrease in vendor pricing by taking better advantage of quantity breaks and tracking vendor performance
• Track actual costs of activities and perform activity based costing
• Provide a consolidated picture of sales, inventory and receivables

By optimizing your manufacturing and distribution operations with an ERP system, you'll also be able to focus on new business opportunities.

• Don't start with a checklist of every possible standard function - focus on what makes your organization different
• Don't just consider the initial cost of setting up a new ERP system, also think about the potential cost of updating the system
• Consider the functionality you need, not just now but also what you may need in the future
• Ask what level of support and training is provided