Getting the best value from your IT systems

By Pete Doyle, Gradient

09 Jun 2023

Pete Doyle Gradient

If you have invested heavily in your business systems, how do you best maximise your return on investment?

Your go-live is only a step along the way, the real work starts afterwards!

A common issue we see with many of our clients is that despite implementing modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, it’s all too easy to then return to or develop ‘bad’ habits.

It might start with the odd grumble from a staff member that things ‘don’t work as expected’ or users reverting to rekeying data ‘off-system’ - as a result you will never reap the full benefits or improve your efficiency. It doesn’t have to be this way.

What can you do? Here are our top five tips.

  1. Keep an eye open for data silos. Do you have disconnected data and are unable to create useful information you can trust?
  2. Ask why you are re-keying data. Is there a genuine need or reason for this?
  3. Focus on using the system to properly measure the current health of your business. Can you believe your reporting when there may be more than one version of the truth?
  4. Accurate forecasting is critical and should not be a chore. Has this started to feel like hard work?
  5. Your systems should help you be more competitive. Are inefficiencies starting to have a significant impact on your business?

It can be difficult to spot issues when concentrating on your daily business.

We can help you to know where to look and how to gain the best returns on your investment.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Pete Doyle, Gradient

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