ERP implementations are major investments for enterprises, and they typically take from 18 months to two years to complete. That’s up to two years to realize returns and transformative benefits that the new platform might provide. All the while, the needs of a business may change. In a modern atmosphere of evolving regulations, rapid technological innovation, and shifting customer demands, a two-year ERP project might be outdated before it even launches.
This is an especially big challenge for small-and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). In those two years, they may be limiting their ability to adapt to markets and pursue growth. That has left many SMBs seeking more agile ERP implementations by adopting cloud-native platforms that are designed to be updated quarterly and allow for more rapid adjustments to processes, reducing the timeframe from years to potentially weeks. That fits the model of a growing company much more than a traditional long-haul ERP deployment.
A Cloud-Native, No-Code Alternative
One example of a vendor offering a more agile ERP transformation that aligns with the growth mindset of SMBs is Nextworld, which provides a cloud-native, no-code platform. While traditional ERP implementations are viewed as once-in-a-decade events in which an organization’s entire set of processes and technologies is ripped out in favor of the newer system, NextWorld’s cloud platform aims to enable SMBs to extend existing systems or deploy new functionality on an incremental basis. This iterative approach allows organizations to avoid major disruptions and adapt to market shifts.
With this nimbler innovation cycle, lines of business that rely on ERP functionality, such as finance, procurement, and operations, recognize value sooner. That value may come in a matter of weeks compared to 18 months or more. For example, AP approval automation could come within a quarter, or a new revenue recognition rule could be adopted in days.
Speed as a Competitive Advantage
Being able to adapt ERP systems to changing markets within weeks instead of years can be a significant competitive advantage for SMBs. A company waiting 18 months for implementation might miss opportunities along the way. Those are opportunities that more agile competitors are quickly seizing. The speed of innovation matters, and it could be the difference between hitting growth targets or falling behind.
What This Means for ERP Insiders
Consider time-to-value in your ERP investment decisions. Can your business endure a two-year ERP implementation? If the answer is no, look into cloud-native platforms such as Nextworld that enable rapid innovation without heavy coding or long implementation timelines.
Instill an innovative and iterative culture when adopting cloud platforms. To take advantage of a no-code, cloud-based platform, organizations should be working to build innovative cultures that thrive on improvement through iteration.
Empower business users to be part of the iteration. No-code platforms allow business users to go from being advisors on ERP deployments to being directly involved in translating processes to technology.
