The One Stop Customer Orientated provider of Software platforms for Manufacturing businesses with ERP expertise.

We also offer PreFlex the Flexible ERP system, modularised to flex to your requirements from multi site operations to small enterprises wanting a refreshingly business orientated approach.

Offering companies Bespoke ERP and other software systems as well as a variety of data and project services, we take a look at how bespoke ERP and other software stacks up to Off The Shelf Systems. If it sounds like we know what we’re talking about…..it’s because we do.

The approach to developing a new system usually stems from realising your business is struggling with either an outdated excel based approach or legacy system downtime. This lack of information runs contrary to the growth you need. Most companies are without the resource to do this within their own walls. If you’re thinking Off The Shelf or Bespoke, here’s something to get you started. Factors that you might consider –

  • How settled are business processes and procedures.
  • How quickly the solution needs to be in place.
  • Are other systems going to need to be integrated or replaced.
  • What budget might be available.
  • Are there exact requirements to meet legislation.
  • How much flexibility or natural evolution of the software do you need and over what timeframe.

Some of the pros and cons of an ERP package versus a bespoke development are listed below:

Bespoke ERP Systems

Pros

  • Highly flexible for a growing business. Add functionality as you need it.
  • Changes are typically quick and business fit is assured.
  • Pay for what you need, not the 80% you don’t need.
  • Licensing and support costs are limited.
  • The Customer/Supplier relationship is one that gets the job done rather than a pillar to post type.

Cons

  • Development times can be long depending on requirements – unless if you don’t have to start from scratch.
  • Integration with other systems may not have been achieved before.
  • They can take more effort to develop as you build business processes within the software.

ERP Package

Pros

  • Generally relatively stable products and well proven.
  • Have a good range of functionality across many sectors.
  • Have documentation to support their use.
  • Configurable to different business method operations.
  • You can have a demo of the product before you buy.

Cons

  • Projects are usually large as they are data hungry and all encompassing
  • Being highly configurable requires lots of testing and often they are found to have limitations that force you to change how you operate.
  • They take a long time to understand what you thought was basic in principle.
  • Licensing costs can be high and implementation consultancy might be 100 days at £1000 per day. Follow up might be another 30 days.
  • It works how it works – you can’t just add even minor functionality or at least not without a team of developers and more consultancy.
  • Customisation takes months and minor changes can be £1000’s.

Having seen both off the shelf and bespoke systems in large businesses we understand the dilemma. Please feel free to evaluate the pros and cons and be assured that we will strive to assist with your requirements. Why not contact us for a free one day requirements evaluation?