When a company is in search of a new employee, the ERP-system, sooner or later it is faced with the decision of standard software or a specialised solution. There are many reasons in favour of a standard system - not least the fact that ERP solutions are so flexible that they can be adapted to the individual needs of a company. adapt can. Nevertheless, the perception of what is fundamentally meant by standard software is not as clear-cut as one might think.
To avoid any nasty surprises, it helps to check the ERP selection to define exactly what you want to achieve with the use of a new system. In this case, it is helpful to have a clear process analysis. The results can then be compared with the possibilities of a standard system.
What exactly does „standard software“ mean?
But what do these possibilities entail, and what is actually „standard“?
Today, it is almost no longer the case that companies operate entirely without Accounting software or other systems that accompany the work of the company. These are the same processes that are used in a ERP standard system form the basis. This is why they are also referred to as „basic factors“. Many people expect these implicitly from an ERP system, and it is usually only the absence of these functions that highlights their indispensability.
The following are „performance factors“, i.e. functions that are specifically expected from the future user of the system. These can only be surpassed by so-called „excitement factors“, i.e. functions with a surprise effect that the user would not have expected.
Growing demands
However, it is often the case with ERP systems that performance factors quickly become basic factors and enthusiasm factors become performance factors. Especially as many of the basic and performance factors were also mapped in other systems - with which the respective company had previously worked - and the demands on the new standard software therefore grow. One could almost speak of an expectation of the enthusiasm factors.
Set standards first and fulfil them later
It becomes difficult with standards that are shaped by trends and sometimes the marketing departments of manufacturers. Some megatrends literally force functions that are not fully developed. And anyone who wants to capitalise on the hype only intensifies the effect. The competition feels compelled to follow suit and another pseudo-solution is established. Much later, and often enough thanks to user feedback, this then becomes a really well-rounded standard.
Unaccustomed standard
Many users find it difficult to leave their familiar processes (which is not always necessary). However, the idea of standard software always includes standard processes that are better followed. Sometimes a reorganisation of the processes to those available in the new software is also a real gain for the company. The mapped functions are tested for their success and therefore represent a Optimisation. On the other hand, manufacturers often work with customer feedback. The standard of the newer version of a software is then a new but modified standard. The results in the standard solution are then correspondingly different in the end.
The flexible standard
Standard software and best practice are welcomed and demanded by many companies. However, when it comes down to the wire, i.e., implementation, there's soon a call for customisation. Specifically, customisation of the software, not the company. At first glance, this may seem illogical. But consider that it's often precisely this difference in *how* a company, particularly a medium-sized one, does things that sets it apart from its competitors, not *what* it does. And this different „how“ should be reflected by the company software, standard or not. Many manufacturers respond to this dilemma with a promise: flexibility. And yes, you can improbably do a lot.
But you must not be under the illusion that you can have both without restriction: Best and personal practice.
With every customisation, you give up a piece of the standard.
more on the subject:
Standard ERP: Advantages and disadvantages
The standard usability of ERP systems in 9 points
ERP as standard - what does that mean?
Integrated ERP approach or special software for financial management?
Standard still trendy
