At epic ERP, we often compare an ERP project to a relationship. There’s a honeymoon phase, a few annoyances (like wet towels on the floor), and eventually, if all goes well, domestic bliss. But let’s start at the beginning: the first date – your initial meeting with us.
Here’s a look at some of the most common questions we’re asked in that very first chat, and how we usually respond…
1. What ERP solutions do you offer?
This is the classic icebreaker, like asking someone what they do for a living. We’re ERP solution agnostic, meaning we offer multiple systems to suit businesses of different sizes, industries and levels of maturity.
- Microsoft Business Central is ideal for mid-sized companies upgrading from accounting software. It’s particularly suited to manufacturing, distribution, retail, services and agriculture.
- Epicor Kinetic fits more mature businesses, especially those in complex manufacturing like aerospace or engineer-to-order, where traceability and layered supply chains are the norm.
- Microsoft Finance and Operations is an enterprise-grade solution for large, multi-site organisations with a sophisticated operational footprint.
We also offer complementary tools like business intelligence, workflow automation and custom app development.
2. Is ERP right for my business?
This is where things get more personal. After we’ve learned a bit about your business, we typically recommend a requirements-gathering workshop – anything from half a day to several days – to get to the heart of your needs.
We then align your business needs with specific outcomes by implementing the best ERP system for your business and budget. As this may not always be aligned with your current business requirements, and or future needs from an ERP investment, it may be that we cannot help or that an ERP won’t fix your problems.
3. What are standard ERP processes?
ERP systems come with built-in workflows; for example, pricing for a sales quote pulls from a customer price list. If your business wants that process flipped or customised, the system can often accommodate it, but this may require additional development. No two businesses are exactly alike, so some level of deviation from the standard is normal. Luckily AI is adding a level of advancement in the automation of mundane processes and detecting anomalies, among many other smart things.
4. Why does implementation cost so much?
The cost question is always awkward but important. A common misconception is that ERP is plug-and-play. In truth, implementing an ERP – your business’s digital nervous system – is complex and resource-intensive. A basic ERP implementation costs significantly more than South Africa’s cheapest new car.
We use the Iron Triangle to explain this: quality, speed and cost. You can have two, but never all three. At epic ERP, we don’t sacrifice quality for quick-and-cheap. We offer hands-on, tailored solutions delivered by highly qualified consultants (many of whom are Chartered Accountants, Engineers or MBAs) who bring deep operational insight. Our role is not just technical; we’re strategic partners in your growth.
5. How do I calculate ROI?
This is where things get a bit philosophical. ROI = (Return – Investment) ÷ Investment. Sounds simple. But how do you quantify returns when you don’t yet know where you’re losing money?
Many businesses lack visibility into their losses due to the absence of business intelligence tools or even the basic data to analyse. Ironically, you often need an ERP to uncover the very information that would justify buying it. That’s the ROI conundrum.
Still, global stats show ERP works. Research aggregated by Founderjar shows 80% of companies achieve their desired ROI, with many seeing reduced IT and inventory costs, shorter sales cycles and increased production capacity… without more headcount.
Our own case studies back this up. Many clients only discovered, post-implementation, where they were bleeding cash, whether through unprofitable clients or inefficient machines, and could finally act on it.
6. Eight months to implement? Why so long?
If you’re still with us after the cost and ROI chat, let’s talk timelines. ERP implementation is not a three-month sprint. Done properly, it can take eight to 24 months, depending on complexity. Why? Because we follow a proven methodology that includes planning, testing, training, governance and more. Rushing it risks the whole project.
And this isn’t a solo effort. Think of it as a partnership. We’ll be spending months working side by side in meetings, workshops, testing sessions and training. Success depends on mutual commitment.
In closing…
If you’ve made it this far and still like what you hear, maybe we’re meant to be. You understand what ERP entails, the time and investment it requires and the value it can unlock.
So, if you think your business and ERP might be a match made in digital heaven, reach out. Let’s set up that first date.
