Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is an integral part of any business setup. It handles all the important accounts and finance management problems of any business. ERP also helps with future decisions and planning. ERP software has taken the place of so many manual operations. This helps businesses focus on the efficiency of the business. The burden of keeping data transfers to ERP systems. This sounds like an ideal situation but it has its dark secrets. At first sight, it looks like all heaven but some hidden charges and terms are kept secret from the consumers on purpose. Here are few things that ERP companies hide from you:
Charges of Data Conversion
All the data that you convert using the ERP system take some more money from you. This cost is usually not included in the monthly payment of ERP software. This is a usual tactic of service providers that they keep some terms hidden. This is kind of harmless to the business, the reason you might never get to find out about it.
If you are what kind of data conversion gets charged then it is nothing special, it is just customer record and inventory. The charges depend on the time you spend in imposing all this data.
Customization
When you subscribe to the services of an ERP software you are given a basic version of the system. If you want to use it the way you want then you will have to pay extra charges. What you are not told at the time of subscription is that these charges can easily be more than your monthly subscription charges. So make any decision keeping this in mind. You will get to design the whole system according to your needs and it is very crucial to a business. It will define the fate of your business.
Consultant Fee
The consultant you hire through the ERP system is pretty expensive and you are not told this fact when you subscribe to the service. To mend this situation it is better to train the staff you already have to save the money on consultants.
Maintenance
Another fact you might not know is that the ERP system needs constant maintenance. You can not stick with the basics for too long. You will have to come to terms with the fact and keep your ERP system maintained. This might cost you the money you did not anticipate. ERP systems are so well connected that you are mostly not left with any choice but to pay for these services for the betterment of your business.
Bottom Line
The ERP system might keep a few things hidden from you but at the end of the day, it is a beneficial software for the progress of your business.