Many companies report that they don’t get the full benefit of their ERP solution. What these companies don’t realize is that this may have been a result of their implementation process. It’s no secret that large software deployments can have glitches on more than one occasion, so to avoid this, many companies think ‘more is more’ during the process and get overloaded with unnecessary software.

Unnecessary software drives up the price tag, complicates processes, and decreases user adoption. In most cases, this software is not integrated and then you have a whole set of new problems. All of this attributes to companies not getting the full benefit of their ERP solutions.

So what’s the key?

You need to realize your specific needs and differentiators first before you select software for your business. Yes, it will take time and yes, it will take effort, but the end result is that you’ll have a solution built for your needs making life easier and your business more successful.

If you’re hesitant to go it alone, contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions. We specialize in custom business solutions, application development, database design, and web-enabling businesses.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions- http://www.pangeabsi.com/

With the Summer Olympics in full swing, it’s easy to get inspired by the supreme athleticism and powerful positivity. Even if the media insists on focusing on Gabby Douglas’ hair or Ryan Lochte’s “mystery girl”! But all in all, the Olympics are a big deal.

Similar to the Olympics, your ERP Software should be a big deal too. Many organizations overlook answering the most important question before searching for the solution right for their business. You need to determine just how big your organization is, before deciding how big you need your ERP software to be. Some solutions, such as Microsoft Dynamics® GP can scale with you as you grow. But some solutions can stop you in your tracks. Even if you’re not sure of your growth (as I’m sure the Greeks didn’t expect the Olympics to take on like it did), you should still play it safe so you don’t have to pay for it later.

The Olympics also bring every country in the world together. Although they’re competing against each other in ever athletic form, they’re still creating connections that we all need. Your ERP software should connect your organization. Your departments probably won’t compete against each other, but if they can all use the same system, then you have a step ahead of the rest.

So as you cheer on the U.S. or any other country for that matter, think about how big of a deal your ERP software is for your business. GO USA!

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics Partner out of Florida

Once you deploy your CRM software, the data you get is only as good as it is entered.  Taking short-cuts or entering information in the wrong fields is a quick way to sabotage the data in no time.  While you can’t control every data-entry scenario, here are a few of the most common mistakes.

• Entering The Minimal Required Data: In order to make data entry easier on your team, Microsoft Dynamics® CRM allows you to customize data entry fields as mandatory, business recommended, or optional. This way, they won’t be able to cut corners when it comes to the integrity of your data.
• Data Duplication: Nothing is more frustrating than realizing you have a number of duplicates in your CRM system. In Microsoft Dynamics CRM, you can use data duplication rules that generate alerts when there is a duplicate entry.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM has your back while you’re going through data entry. Yes, it can be a tedious process, but when the solution is checking things on the backend, it can make a tedious process much more streamlined…and accurate! Best of all, your CRM data can remain meaningful for your business.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics Partner out of Florida

Customized ERP has a bad rap mainly because it means a much larger price tag for you. It can have its benefits, but here are some situations when you shouldn’t modify your ERP solution.

• Your current ERP software solution is old and out of date. If customization requires a matrix of coded workarounds, it is not worth the money you’re throwing at it to do its job. Manipulating software is necessary to some extent, but if your software currently causes more headache than relief, then it may be time to start from scratch.

• You’re not entirely sure of what you need it to do. ERP software customizations aren’t a time for experimentation. You need to be absolutely clear of what your main goals and objectives are before entering into the world of software modification. If you jump in before you’re ready, you risk wasting valuable time, resources, and a huge chunk of your software budget. This is where a software partner is vital in the process. They know what questions to ask and what areas to focus on. There are also phased approaches to ERP implementation that can ease the overwhelming nature of these projects as well as go easy on your budget.

If you’re trying to answer the questions of whether to modify or not modify your current ERP solution, contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions for guidance. We can ensure you make the right decision for your company.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

Some may argue that higher Return on Investment (ROI) while achieving lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) just isn’t possible. We’re here today (with research to back us up) to prove it’s not only possible but essential in today’s economy. Aberdeen Research did a study to show that lowering the total cost of ownership for ERP just isn’t enough for businesses anymore. They need to be convinced that the implementation of ERP will enhance and improve their business, financially and operationally.

Aberdeen has covered all the bases in this whitepaper when trying to quantify ROI in comparison with TCO for ERP Software. They have measured improvements achieved through ERP implementation which then creates a view into cost reductions across the board.

This Whitepaper confirms that a well-managed ERP solution can be a dependable source of cost savings and operational improvements.  Read the complete whitepaper here and let us know if you have any questions.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

CRM software opens up a whole new world for businesses. One in which you can essentially reinvent yourself to be better, grow stronger, and become more profitable.

Reinventing yourself is a motivational way to put you in the driver’s seat and this is especially true for your business. In order to take charge of your future, you need to gain control and Microsoft Dynamics CRM helps you do just this:

• Be Better: Being better is very objective, yet it can be put into perspective when you involve you competitors. Microsoft Dynamics CRM allows you access to sales and marketing trends in relation to your competitors so you can always strive to be better than the rest.
• Grow Stronger: There are many ways to grow stronger as a business, but the most important of them all is growing a stronger customer base. Microsoft Dynamics CRM gives you the tools and information needed to build a loyal customer base and it even helps streamline customer support or service scenarios, helping you save time and money.
• Become Profitable: Being better and growing stronger ultimately leads to the main goal of becoming more profitable as a business. Who doesn’t want to make more money and do more good? Microsoft Dynamics CRM makes that possible again by connecting your office so you can easily and effectively make the decisions that help reinvent your business.

For more information about Microsoft Dynamics CRM, please contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics Partner out of Florida

Vendors that focus on the discrete pieces of ERP software without understanding the entire picture just don’t make the cut. You need a solution that covers everything, and it is possible- more today, than ever. Not only do your vendors need to understand the big picture, you need to have a good handle on what goes on during the implementation process. It is possible to acquire a holistic ERP solution, but it’s going to take work on your part and that of your software vendor’s.

Important things to keep in mind:

-        A holistic solution may mean integration of a number of products. Every business is different, and some even have industry specific solutions. Although this may hit your budget harder than you thought, the end benefit of connecting various products to receive a comprehensive picture of your business is huge.

-        Pay close attention to how new ERP software reacts with your current IT solutions. Sometimes addition of ERP software can muddy up the waters if you don’t keep them in mind. You need to ask how this will affect your current solutions before anything is actually done.

Although it is extremely possible to acquire a holistic ERP solution, it will take time, dedication, and resources to get to where you want to be. This isn’t meant to scare you off, but is a realistic view at what to expect. Please contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions with any questions about ERP Software.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

Sorry to break it to you, but there isn’t really a “for sure” way to come to this decision. Unfortunately it takes a lot of time, research, and analysis of your business processes to approach an answer that fits your needs. And even then, it can vary. But don’t let this news discourage you. If you stick to a few important tips along the way, you should be in good hands:

• The software vendor relationship is important: The relationship with your software vendor should be strong and you should have a high level of trust developed before moving ahead with a big CRM implementation project.

• There are no stupid questions: In software implementations, you should know what’s going on. Although your software vendor is there to take care of the process, you still need to make sure things are headed in the right direction. So if you don’t understand a process or an additional charge, ASK!

• Get everyone involved: A CRM solution is meant to connect your business. Ideally, you want everyone to use the solution and use it right so you can achieve a return on your investment. Get them involved in the implementation project by asking them a few basic questions. Write down their wish lists and specific requirements or even gauge how comfortable they are with technology. All this information can increase the chances of success for your CRM implementation.

If you’re wondering where to begin in developing a relationship with a software vendor, sign up for our newsletter and stay in touch with our CRM experts.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics Partner out of Florida

When you go to a new ERP system, you are really changing your company and putting it in place to go forward. Some companies get blind-sided because they do not really understand the depth of change that is going to happen.  There is no doubt it is a good change if done right, but the first step is to accept that change. Otherwise, you and your company may be doomed.

In addition to understanding it yourself, you need to prepare your employees for the weeks and months ahead. Be completely clear on the implementation steps, so everyone knows what to expect. It is definitely not going to be easy. ERP software requires more information, has more disciplined processes, and is ultimately more work in the beginning. The truth is your employees are not going to like it, but they will thank you in the end because in a few years, your business will still be booming and they will still have a job.

The fact of the matter is ERP software changes the front end and back end of your organization so that you can scale to the demands of market upswings and downswings. You will be able to compete with the big guys and make the path for optimal growth.

If you have been considering making this huge change, but just are not sure where to begin, contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions to learn more.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

One of the more common mistakes in CRM implementations is overlooking the business assessment phase. The title of this blog may seem like common sense to some, but many organizations try to proceed with just a high level view of what they need the software to do. It’s extremely important to be specific, thorough, and patient!

If you don’t specify your requirements beforehand, you’re bound to run into two issues:

1. Miscalculation of Costs: Your software vendor can only estimate the costs they’re aware of. If something comes up in the middle of implementation, there’s no way they can foresee additional costs until they happen. This unexpected shift in budget can greatly affect your implementation and ultimately your bottom line.
2. Insufficient Technology: You run a much higher risk of deciding on a CRM solution that can never really meet your needs. This issue brings about even more costs that you hadn’t planned for or your stuck with a solution that doesn’t really even make anything better.

We understand software implementations can be overwhelming and it’s easy to get caught up in the craziness. This is why choosing a software vendor that can walk you through the process is so important. A trusted partner can help you with software implementation best practices and help keep costs low and functionality high.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics Partner out of Florida