Why ERP Integration Is the Key to Your Implementation

ERP implementation is not complete without integration. So many issues with newly implemented ERP systems are caused due to an incomplete implementation or an inadequate implementation partner. 

In order to successfully implement an ERP system that will fit your company’s existing work processes and structure, you need an integration partner that has expertise in both implementation and integration, who will put in all that work that’s required to ensure your system is fully operational and effective. Not every implementation partner has the necessary expertise with integrations and most companies don’t even think to ask when they’re embarking onto their new ERP project. 

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, ERP implementations call for an expert. To find out more, check out My ERP Implementation is in Trouble: What Should I Do?

An ERP expert knows how essential the integration process is. 

What is ERP Integration

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s talk about what ERP integration actually means.

After choosing the right ERP system and implementation partner for your growing business, the implementation process begins. The implementation process generally involves 6 steps:

1. Discovery and Planning
2. Design
3. Development
4. Testing
5. Deployment
6. Ongoing Support. 

The implementation process would not be complete without all these steps. Integration is an essential part of this process. Integrating your ERP system is essentially the process of joining functions within all your departments and across your legacy systems to streamline your business processes and make them run smoothly. Your ERP system is the tool that allows your departments to collaborate and optimize their processes through a centralized source of information that communicates with their exisiting systems. 

Implementing your ERP without integrating it is like setting up a Google Home without connecting it to any of your resources. You take your new device out of the box, plug it in, and ask it to turn on the lights in your kitchen. Google will answer back that she can’t do that for you because you haven’t connected her to the internet, or set up the Google Smart Home application. Essentially, your Google Home would have no way to communicate with your system controlling your kitchen lights. 

As with other technologies, your ERP system uses interactive modules that allow specific departments to carry out their own functions while having access to the information they need from other departments to complete those functions.

Example of departments that should be integrated are:

1. Accounting and Financial
2. Human Resources
3. Supply Chain Management
4. Customer Account Management
5. Project Management
6. Data Services

Why Integrating Your ERP Can Improve Your Business

For example, let’s say you’re a supply chain personnel. In order to perform your job, you need to know for which departments the supplies are needed, who exactly needs the supplies, where they are coming from, who is available to deliver and when. In an integrated system, you would be able to access the inventory information, which can speed up delivery times and reduce the duplication of orders.

Although all departments still have their own tasks to complete, every function they serve must meet the needs of the entire company. Open communication and accessibility between other departments or outside entities will ensure that. A business needs to interact internally and externally to ensure a streamlined process, and integration facilitates communication through increased access to information with linked systems.

Integration provides a plethora of other benefits, including:

1. Streamlined communication between departments
2. Simplified access to real-time data 
3. Reduction of redundant tasks
4. Recognition of new business needs, strengths or weaknesses

How GURUS Helps You Integrate Your ERP with Legacy Systems

As ERP solutions have transformed from clunky office software, which required constant physical upkeep and instalations, to a streamlined cloud, many implementation partners have moved away from on-site visits, choosing instead to consult their clients remotely. 

At GURUS, we believe some processes need to be improved, not erased. We believe that there is more to an on-site implementation that just the installation. Being on-site gives us an opportunity to collaborate with your team and take the time to analyze and understand your business’ day-to-day and the processes that work for you. During the implementation process, we can then focus on meeting those needs while highligting areas of risk or even opportunities for optimization. 

Remember, not all implementors are integrators. Luckily, GURUS Solutions is the implementation partner that does it all. Our team of skilled and knowledgeable professionals is always prepared to put in the work to ensure your NetSuite ERP solution is integrated and tailored for your business. 

Watch this testimonial for Gurus Solutions and Oracle NetSuite's dynamic ERP with Richie Gimmel, President of Atlas Machine & Supply, Inc to hear about his experience working with our 5-Star award-winning Gurus team of NetSuite professionals from implementation to support, and everything beyond.

Now here’s how we help you:

1. On-Site Consulting

Our Gurus want to understand your business’ processes and needs before we begin your implementation. That’s why we take the time to visit your business in person, to get a better understanding of the organization, ensure the project is kept on track, mediate design decisions, and immediately clarify any confusing matters.  

In addition, our Gurus will provide key components such as a project kick off, interactive workshops, and hands-on training.

2. Mapping Out the Integration 

Part of the integration process is understanding what needs to be integrated and how. 
That’s why our Gurus map the flow of information between systems to enable streamlined communication between departments. We provide specifications, mapping, design, a test plan, training, and user manuals to keep everyone informed. 

3. Completing the Integration 

When performing the integration, we leverage our proven approach, processes and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to identify the sequence of work required between both parties.
Our Gurus will then create a standalone Java-based connector and/or configure middleware.

4. Follow-Up & Support

It doesn’t end there. We make sure to leave you prepared and knowledgeable about your new system. We provide your business with training, workshops and user manuals. If a problem ever arises in the future, we are always available to help you out. 

Now that you know the importance of ERP integration, as well as a partner who you can help, there is nothing standing in the way of your business’ growth. Future-proof your business with NetSuite ERP and your ERP implementation Guru, GURUS Solutions.