Whether it’s SAP S/4HANA, Oracle EBS or another platform, integrating and implementing ERP systems can inadvertently come bundled with a set of challenges for any organization looking to upgrade. Recognizing and acting on any implementation red flags can be a smoother process with the help of third-party support, however.
Cloud-based enterprise software support firms, like Spinnaker Support, can provide interoperability between old and new systems, which can help lay the foundations for a successful software integration. Choosing the right tech integration partner is another effective method for preparing a business for a digital overhaul – having a better understanding of business processes could result in creating tailored and effective ERP solutions.
One of the biggest challenges that accompanies a tech integration can be typically noticed quite early on – inflating implementation and maintenance costs. Depending on the chosen software vendor and support options, integration costs and licensing fees could potentially be expensive. A comprehensive and in-depth cost-benefit analysis could help work towards mitigating spiraling costs.
Costs and expenses can also be affected by how much extra development time could be needed when integrating new systems with older legacy systems. Due to a lack of built-in integration capabilities, a firm’s integration partner could spend more time and money on trying to create interoperability with software that’s no longer supported by the original vendor.
Older systems are usually heavily customized after years of use in specific, unique processes. Adapting those customized, older systems to communicate effectively with modern tech can be difficult and time consuming. Partnering with third-party support that specializes in working with obsolete systems, like Spinnaker Support, can help reduce both costs and transformation anxiety.
Another integration challenge that could spiral and affect a host of other systems if not taken seriously is the testing period. Extensive end-to-end integration testing is needed to guarantee all systems and processes are working in tandem. It’s also important to undergo load testing across the entire IT infrastructure – can an organization handle the sudden influx of user data and traffic? Identifying performance bottlenecks and finding solutions to them can help work towards a smooth software transition.
Having a proactive attitude to integration is the best way to approach the challenges that are faced when introducing new ERP tech. Seeking out an effective integration partner, like Spinnaker Support, can help make the digital transformation a smoother and cheaper experience.
