The Pros and Cons of a Single ERP system vs Multiple Software Solutions
April 20, 2021ERP systems have been around for many years. These systems, sometimes called “legacy”, or “best of breed” can handle multiple processes, from multiple business units.
At it’s core an ERP provides a centralized database, with modules that are all part of the ERP provider’s solution which can be implemented all at once, or within a phased approach. The idea is that all modules are part of the ERP provider’s solution, and all communicate seamlessly.
Over time, a number of software solutions have emerged that handle one specific area of a business, for example, Quickbooks for Accounting, or Shopify for Ecommerce, or various Warehouse Management solutions, such as Manhattan Associates.
What are the pros and cons of a single ERP system vs multiple software solutions?
An ERP sets you up for long term success.
Your ERP provider has a dedicated staff of experienced project managers, professional service team members, that have knowledge and many years of experience in deploying not only specific solutions for a targeted area of the business, but also can provide you for a plan for the entire business, and its future plans.
Your ERP provider invests heavily in R&D.
Your ERP provider should constantly invest heavily in R&D and updates to ensure that you are receiving the latest and greatest in software solutions, allowing you to adapt to future changes.
ERPs solution providers have vast knowledge and experience of your entire business.
Their teams are experienced and have knowledge of your business, your industry, and how to set you up for success., it means that your ERP provider will be able to provide leadership, position you for future growth and ensure consistency and reliability.
The ERP provider offers a complete solution for your entire business.
The sole purpose of the single ERP provider is that it provides one point of contact that is able to respond to all of the demands related to your entire business. The ERP provider will become an invaluable partner to your business. This is how ERP providers have developed long-standing partnerships with their clients.
Perhaps you are tempted to look at individual software solutions that solely respond to the demands of unique areas of your business. These providers are truly experienced at one specific targeted solution. These software providers often advertise that their solutions are seamless and can be pieced together to handle your operation needs. What more could you need?
Multiple software solutions can slow down your process and eventually break your system.
Since these solutions are designed to focus on one area of your business, they often fail to combine efficiently their solution as it relates to the entire business flow.
The integrators for each of these software solutions have experience in implementing their solution, but not necessarily the knowledge of the entire business. Their focus is not on the bigger picture.
As a result, the other areas of the business can become disjointed, experience a loss of centralized data, and incur additional operational costs due to duplication of effort and a non-connected solution.
Multiple vendors mean multiple points of contact.
Choosing multiple software solutions means that each vendor comes with their own teams, support services, and methods of operation. This can add to the overall infrastructure cost. Who do you contact when things break down? How do you know which system is not working?
How is this software being integrated?
Often, the specific software solution requires a 3rd party integration company to be engaged as part of the implementation process. This introduces challenges as the software solution company itself may be strong and reputable, but the integrators are smaller IT service companies, where experience may be a challenge due to a higher turnover rate and less overall experience. In addition, how can you ensure that the selected integration company will still be operating for years to come?
Studies have also shown that when organizations move to a multi-vendor solution, integrating and tying the solutions together can easily exceed 40% of the total IT spend within the organization, which would be important to keep in mind when planning your software purchases.
So, what is the best solution for your business?
With all of the multiple targeted solution providers that exist today, the challenge would be to find an EPR system that can provide the solid framework to communicate to whichever of these solutions providers that prove to be the true best of breed offering. Ensure that your ERP provider has established connectivity with the most up-to-date targeted software solutions such as Shopify, Amazon, Lightspeed, Joor, NuOrder, Shipstation, Big Commerce, Zoho, etc.
By establishing a solid ERP base, you will ensure that your business is ready to take advantage of any future business opportunity and gain greater control on costs related to system integrations. You will also secure an experienced business partner to address your overall system solutions, providing consistency and reliability.
The Momentis ERP solution and it’s Trenza suite of products provides our customers with a best of breed solution that combines the solid base of an ERP, the experience of a seasoned implementation and service team, in addition to a proven integration methodology.
You can have the best of both worlds.
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The Momentis ERP System was developed for fashion, apparel, footwear and accessory brands, textile, wholesalers, and distributors. Momentis automates and streamlines processes from design to delivery – Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Sourcing & Logistics, Inventory Management, Warehouse Management, Order Management and Financials – and integrates seamlessly with leading B2C, 3PL, POS and other 3rd parties using EDI and APIs. The Trenza software suite is the latest solution that enables your ERP to effectively communicate with Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) solutions, such as Trenza Shop, Trenza Sell, Trenza BI, Amazon, Shopify, Big Commerce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Joor, NuOrder, and more.