Over the past few years software has become the key to business success. The majority of businesses now have some form of accounting solution and CRM is becoming increasingly popular in order to help organisations achieve a competitive advantage, but what is ERP and what benefits will it deliver?

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions are integrated computer-based systems used to manage both internal and external resources. ERP solutions have all the tools and features to save staff a huge amount of time and increase their productivity, therefore enhancing the profitability of the organisation and enabling staff to concentrate their efforts on more business critical activities.

The benefits of ERP solutions include:

» Helps to share information across the organisation

» Streamlines accounting, production and operational business processes

» Improves the flow of information throughout the organisation, including between front and back office

» Enhances customer service as employees have access to more information

There are many different ERP solutions available on the market, all of which have their own advantages. Two popular Best in Breed ERP systems in the UK include Sage 200 and Microsoft Dynamics NAV, so how do they compare?

Sage 200

Sage 200 is a genuine business wide application, so rather than having to use several unconnected software packages to run your business, Sage 200 enables you to run your business from within one software suite. Essentially, Sage 200 will help bring together all areas of a business from marketing right through to projects and everything in between.
Sage 200 has two foundation modules as standard which are:

» Sage 200 CRM

» Sage 200 Financials

However, there are a number of industry and process specific modules available including:

» Sage 200 Commercials

» Sage 200 Project Accounting

» Sage 200 Construction

» Sage 200 Manufacturing

» Sage 200 Point of Sale

» Sage 200 Wholesale and Retail

What’s more, because it’s an integrated solution it begins to deliver gains in efficiency and effectiveness from the first day of implementation. It will also improve employee knowledge which will have
an impact on customer satisfaction and ultimately profitability.
Concentrix has an excellent working relationship with Sage and is a Sage Accredited Business Partner. Concentrix has also been included in the Sage Circle of Excellence for the second year running this year.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Microsoft Dynamics NAV is Microsoft’s leading mid-market management solution in the UK with more than one million users worldwide. Microsoft Dynamics streamlines and simplifies business processes through using workflow. Microsoft Dynamics NAV is an extremely popular solution because of its familiar look and feel – it looks just like any other Microsoft solution. Microsoft Dynamics NAV will deliver a number of benefits as it:

» Has RoleTailored functionality. There are a number of distractions for users on a daily basis as 90% of the icons on their desktop are not used. RoleTailored functionality hides the functionality which users don’t use and as a result user productivity is enhanced. What’s more, it promotes the information that you do need, helping you to prioritise your tasks.

» Fully integrates with Microsoft Dynamics CRM – this will improve efficiency and effectiveness

» Is extremely flexible which means it can be adapted to the precise needs of your business

» Has a large range of industry specific application available. These will add a powerful sector and process specific functionality to Microsoft Dynamics NAV – no matter what industry or market sector your business specialises in.

» It’s also extremely good as a standalone accounting system.

So Which Solution is best?

Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Sage 200 are both excellent solutions, so it really isn’t a case of their being a best solution. So when it comes to deciding on the solution for your organisation, it really is about selecting the solution which can best meet the needs of your company and what suits one company will not necessarily suit another company.
Essentially, both solutions will:

» Improve the productivity of your staff, you business and your existing IT

» Enable you to develop closer, more profitable relationships with your customers suppliers and business partners

» Make decisions using clear, accurate and up to date information

» Improve your short, medium and long-term business strategy

For help and advice on selecting the right ERP solution for your business, you need to talk to an independent ERP specialist.