Your First ERP Decision Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
Choosing an ERP system is one of the most important business decisions you’ll make—especially if it’s your first. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed but the right ERP can transform your operations, bring clarity to chaos, and give your team the tools to grow faster and smarter.
This guide will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters when choosing an ERP that fits your industry.
Step 1: Start with Your Industry Needs
Not all ERP systems are created equal. Some are broad and generic. Others are designed specifically for certain industries. That matters—because your challenges are different from everyone else’s.
Here’s what to look for:
Manufacturing: You need real-time production data, inventory visibility, supply chain integration, and quality control.
Rental: Focus on inventory optimization, multi-channel sales, and customer experience.
Service Industry: Look for strong scheduling, project tracking, and resource management features.
Construction: Prioritize job costing, project management, and mobile access for field teams.
💡 Pro tip: Choose an ERP that already understands your business model, so you don’t have to spend months customizing it from scratch.
Step 2: Evaluate Cloud vs. On-Premise
Today, most modern ERP systems are cloud-based—and for good reason.
Cloud ERP benefits:
- Lower upfront costs
- Regular updates and enhancements
- Anywhere, anytime access
- Scalable with your business
Unless you have strict regulatory requirements, cloud ERP is usually the smarter, more future-ready choice.
Step 3: Look for Real-Time Data and Analytics
Data is the heart of any ERP. But it’s not just about storing information—it’s about using it to make better decisions. A good ERP should offer:
- Dashboards and reporting tools
- Real-time visibility into performance
- Predictive analytics and forecasting
- AI-driven insights (not just spreadsheets!)
Step 4: Think About Integration
Your ERP shouldn’t be a silo—it should connect everything. Make sure it plays well with:
- Your CRM
- Accounting software
- HR and payroll systems
- E-commerce or POS platforms
The more seamless the integration, the more value you’ll get from your investment.
Step 5: Choose a Scalable Solution
You may start small, but your business won’t stay that way. Choose an ERP that can grow with you—adding new features, users, or modules without requiring a full overhaul.
Why It’s Time to Choose ERP—and Why Infor Makes Sense
Still on the fence about ERP? The right system helps you eliminate inefficiencies, align your entire business, and make faster, smarter decisions with real-time data. It’s not just about solving today’s problems—it’s about preparing for tomorrow’s growth.
Infor ERP is a strong first choice for businesses ready to take that step. With industry-specific solutions, cloud-native flexibility, built-in analytics, and a trusted track record, it’s designed to meet you where you are—and grow with you.
You’re not just investing in software. You’re investing in a smarter, more connected way to run your business.