Too many businesses stay with the same ERP provider, even when they’ve outgrown the relationship. They might stay out of a sense of loyalty, or a fear that replacing one provider or solution with another will be disruptive.
The issue with this approach is that it leaves organisations with less than optimal ERP solutions. Enterprise Resource Planning software is the key to integrated, automated, data-driven business. Your solution and support should never be second best.
So how do you know you’ve outpaced your ERP provider? There will certainly be clues.
One: The Software is Getting Clunky
The most obvious sign is that the software isn’t doing what it should. You may be having trouble managing a growing business. You may be entering information manually that you know could be automated. The system may just be slowing up or dropping out too often. Whatever the precise problem, ERP should be a smooth and seamless business win. If it isn’t, you have an issue.
Two: Employees Struggle
It’s worth repeating that ERP systems should be smart and seamless. They should help employees do their jobs more quickly and easily, automating routine tasks and providing valuable insight. They should not be adding to workloads or a sense of frustration. If your ERP system is causing hand wringing or repeated calls to the provider’s help desk, it may be time for a switch.
Three: Service is Substandard
When you have an issue with your ERP solution, or just need some timely advice, your provider should be there for you. If something goes wrong at 10pm on a Sunday night, that still holds true. Delays in response can disrupt workflows and undermine the smooth operation of your business. You’re paying for a responsive partner, so make sure you’ve got one.
Four: You Want to Move to the Cloud
There are lots of good reasons to favour the flexibility and scalability of the cloud. The question is, if you’re looking to move from an on-premise ERP to a cloud-based alternative, can your provider guide that transition? Do they have expertise in the challenges and opportunities of cloud-based services? Do they have proven experience in migrating complex systems to the cloud without undue disruption? If in doubt, ask.
Five: You’ve Outgrown Your Provider
Sometimes a provider wants to do the best for you, but they just don’t have the resources to do it. That can be especially true with complex systems like ERP. As you grow and start using more third-party integrations and add-ons, you can outpace the expertise of small providers, along with their manpower. The result is that responses are delayed and issues take longer to fix.
Six: Your Provider Lacks Sector Experience
An ERP system isn’t a static tool. It’s a living, evolving solution. For best results, it should be moulded to the needs of your business, based on the sector you operate in. If your provider doesn’t know your industry, they won’t know how to optimise your ERP solution. They won’t spot opportunities for new efficiencies or fully understand the challenges you face. Look for a partner who knows your industry and is prepared to invest time and effort in getting to know your business.
Seven: Your ERP Isn’t Evolving
To repeat, ERP is an evolving system, or at least it should be. It should grow as you do. New third-party integrations should be evaluated and, if they’re found to be useful, implemented and supported. Your teams have plenty of other things to do, so it should be down to your partner to proactively suggest new and better ways of doing things and guide your evolving ERP solution. In short, your provider shouldn’t just be there to fix problems. They should be there for advice, recommendations and valuable business intelligence.
Eight: Provider Management is Too Complex
Can your provider look after your ERP system, train your people to make very best use of it and optimise its foundational IT architecture? If not, you may be relying on multiple providers for work that one end-to-end solution partner could do in a more consistent and coherent way. Having one partner providing end-to-end IT operations management also creates administrative simplicity and will often save you money.
Nine: Costs Keep Rising
We know how important it is to keep on top of cash flow and to make sure every penny is spent wisely. ERP support pricing should be entirely transparent, so you know exactly what you’re spending and there are never any nasty surprises. Your provider should also offer customised service packages to ensure that your ERP support comes with everything you need and nothing you don’t. If you’re paying for hours or services you don’t need, it may be time to switch.
Ten: Your Gut Feeling Says Go
As an experienced industry professional, you probably know when something isn’t quite right. Maybe the software isn’t making life as easy as it should, or providing the insight you expect. Maybe the support is impersonal and unresponsive. Maybe you’re paying for a generic service when you really need a tailored solution. You don’t have to put up with any of it. A good partner can support your transition and ensure the smooth handover of your ERP support, minimising disruption.
The Codestone Difference
If you’ve outpaced your ERP provider, it’s time to discover Codestone, widely regarded as the UK’s premier ERP support specialist. We offer expert ERP knowledge, extensive IT support experience and a client service that is tailored to your aims and your industry.
Codestone: Your Strategic ERP Partner for Transformation
Codestone doesn’t just offer ERP support – we deliver strategic transformation with transparent, fixed-price options that give you complete cost certainty.
As both a SAP Gold Partner and Microsoft Gold Partner, we bring unique dual expertise that ensures your ERP implementation achieves maximum efficiency, whether on-premise or in a dynamic cloud environment. This dual certification means we can optimise your entire technology stack, not just your ERP system.
Why Leading Organisations Choose Codestone:
- Fixed-Price Peace of Mind: Unlike traditional variable pricing models, our fixed-price options eliminate budget uncertainty and ensure you never face unexpected support costs
- Proven Transition Excellence: With over 130 successful support takeovers, we’ve refined a seamless transition methodology that minimises disruption
- Superior Service Delivery: Our industry-leading 97% customer retention rate and Customer Satisfaction Awards reflect our commitment to exceptional service
- 24/7/365 Proactive Support: Beyond reactive problem-solving, we actively monitor and optimise your ERP ecosystem to prevent issues before they impact your business
- All-Inclusive Support: Our fixed pricing includes comprehensive support coverage – no hidden fees, no surprise charges, and no complex billing structures
Commercial Clarity That Makes Sense
Our fixed-price approach means:
- Predictable monthly or annual costs for easier budgeting
- No unexpected charges for standard support services
- Transparent pricing that aligns with your service needs
- Simplified procurement and approval processes
- Lower administrative burden for your finance team
Don’t let unpredictable ERP support costs and suboptimal service hold your business back. Contact us today for a complimentary ERP Health Check designed to give you a clear picture of your current ERP system’s performance, efficiency, and potential areas for improvement. It’s time to take control!
