SMBs certainly don't lack choices when it comes to ERP systems, with a veritable who's who of vendors coming out with solutions geared toward their needs.
There's Microsoft, with its Dynamics line, along with still emerging product lines from Oracle and SAP. While their SMB ERP strategies aren't exactly fully formed yet, the vendors are obviously expending a lot of effort toward getting them there. Another option is Workday, a software-as-service solution for ERP, developed by a company headed by the ex-CEO of PeopleSoft.
Blogger Keith Meyer, writing on EvolvingExcellence, advocates a simpler ERP solution for small manufacturers -- far simpler. He suggests buying a whiteboard, markers, eraser, Webcam and copy of QuickBooks, all of which should be available at the local office supply store.
The cost of this solution vs. an on-premises (not SaaS) ERP implementation? "A couple grand... maybe," compared to $500,000, Meyer estimates.
The keys to making it work? It's simple, highly visible and, perhaps most important, owned by all of the folks on the shop floor, Meyer says.
It's important to do a value stream mapping exercise first, to figure out where the status quo workflow works and where it doesn't. Then you draw the improved flowchart on the whiteboard and post it where it can be seen by all.
Sound too simple? Some comments following the post come from folks who have tried it and liked it. "Life really can be that simple," says one.
The Simpler, the Better for ERP - To learn more about this author, visit Ann All's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 |
Related Articles |
|
 The Simpler, the Better for ERP
|
| |
SMBs certainly don't lack choices when it comes to ERP systems, with tech giants Microsoft, Oracle and SAP, among others, introducing systems geared toward their needs. But blogger Keith Meyer says that, for many sm...
|
|
A Revolution in Resolutions
|
| |
Have you noticed the overwhelming abundance of simplicity books, videos, lifestyle choices that are out there right now? Do you wish that your life could somehow-- this year-- be simpler, more meaningful, more sere...
|
|
How to Say No
|
| |
 Learning how to say no is crucial. We are faced with a barrage of requests each and every day - for time, for money, and for favors. We have to learn to say no most of the time, occasionally to some worthy causes an...
|
|
Buying a Business
|
| |
Many find the idea of running a small business appealing, but lose their motivation after dealing with business plans, investors, and legal issues associated with new startups. For those disheartened by such risky u...
|
|
How You Can Stand Apart
|
| |
Find out what makes you stand out from your competitors...and enjoy the bonuses that involves.
|
|
|
Ann All
(Visit Ann's Website)
Ann All has been a business journalist for
the past 15 years and was a leading media
authority on automated teller machines
before coming to IT Business Edge to cover
tech alignment and business value.
|
|
|
Ann All's
Complete
List Of
Technology
Articles
|
|
|
If you enjoyed this article, get Ann All's Complete List of Technology Articles For FREE!
|
| |
|
|
|
![[Get Copyright Permissions]](http://license.icopyright.net/images/icopy-w.gif){kind=small}
