ERP & POS integrations are rarely smooth. ERP software may offer POS modules, but they lack the functionality to meet various demands. At the same time, many third-party POS solutions are difficult to integrate with other solutions without costly and tedious customizations which might make future updates even more challenging. We’ve listed five tips to facilitate a seamless integration.
1. Well Defined Integration Goals
Having clear goals in place, will make it easier to outline and identify the retail systems that need to be integrated, and the data that the solutions will need to share. Do not make the mistake of underestimating the value of an ERP POS integration. The best business decision to improve your enterprise is to remove the barriers between these two systems. The advantages to your organization are many, from improved analytics to a decrease in redundant, manual data processes.
2. Choose the Right ERP & POS
Your integration will only be as good as the software you choose to integrate. While many vendors promise an easy, hassle-free integration or provide pre-developed connectors, the quality of those integrations may vary significantly. An open-platform POS is the only way to ensure a seamless integration. An open API allows developers to integrate the ERP and POS with other solutions. This type of integration can help streamline data exchanges between store systems, accounting, ecommerce, CRM, and other systems in a way that eliminates manual data entry and ensures accuracy.
3. Assign an Integration Manager
ERP POS integration affects every aspect of a retailer’s business. Identifying an executive with high-level project management experience that can dedicate themselves full-time to the integration is very crucial. This manager will have to get all parties and stakeholders on board, including employees from the C-level down to the store associates. You should select someone that has credibility within the organisation as well as the ability to sell the new system across the organization.
4. Frequent Quality Checks
The quality control team should have a deep knowledge of both the systems, as well as their behaviours in partiular scenarios. Both systems should be tested prior to going live to ensure that the integration is working as per your expectations. Establish a well-defined testing and roll-out plan with agreed upon data migration, mapping, and testing milestones.
5. Have a Clear ROI
Use your previously defined integration goals to create a list of measures of success with which to measure the integration. Gather data before starting the integration to setup a baseline, and determine how much improved the operations should be under the new solution. With the key performance indicators defined, make sure that you have a way to gather data to implement those measurements after the deployment.
Are you facing any issues in integrating your ERP & POS? x2x eCommerce is always here to help you. Your business-related issues will be solved with stability, consistency, and affordability. You can reach us at sales@x2xe-commerce.com or 888-929-3266 and get a 1 Hour FREE demo.