With increasing competition, globalization and customer demands for faster turnaround times, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. This is where Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems come into play.

But the question arises, can a tailored software help a business gain a competitive advantage for the money it spent vs the value it gets?

While branded ERPs offer a plethora of functionalities, they might not always cater to the unique needs of your specific business process. This is where custom ERP solutions can be a game-changer.

To help us figure out the answer to that question we will evaluate the ERP on these 4 quadrants if it’s the right fit for you.

Fig. 1 Parameters to evaluate customized ERP.

1. Maximizing Return on Investment 

Some of the most obvious benefits of a custom ERP system, is how it's meticulously designed to align with your unique business processes and requirements. In a custom-ERP project we recently worked on we found that the alignment of the system to the client's unique business requirements reduced unnecessary steps, improved workflow efficiency, and accelerated ROI. Additionally, custom ERPs are inherently scalable and flexible, growing alongside your business. 

As you expand, the software adapts to accommodate new requirements, eliminating the need for costly migrations or upgrades. As you progress, your software remains stable and your momentum is no longer disrupted.

“Avoiding recurring subscription fees saves businesses 15-20% annually compared to off-the-shelf solutions.” -Gartner, 2022

2. Cost vs. Value Balance

One of the key advantages of custom ERP software is that it focuses on delivering value specific to your needs. By avoiding "feature overload" and focusing on essential functionalities, businesses only pay for what they truly require, ensuring an optimal balance of cost and value. Over time, custom ERPs also eliminate the recurring licensing fees associated with pre-existing systems, providing significant cost savings. Security is another critical factor in the value equation.

At Online we leverage modern tools and forward-thinking strategies to create scalable and future-ready solutions which offer enhanced data protection, tailored to meet industry compliance standards and mitigate risks, which, in turn, reduced potential costs from breaches or regulatory penalties.

“Enhanced security protocols and adaptability reduce operational risks by 60%” -McKinsey

Fig. 2 Example of ERPs Online built for clients.

3. Competitive Advantage Through Customization

Customization offers a significant edge in today’s competitive landscape. A tailored ERP system enables businesses to implement unique features that cater specifically to their market or operational needs, setting them apart from competitors relying on generic solutions. Furthermore, while working with a client, we heard from them that a simplified and intuitive user interface, designed specifically for their team’s workflow, enhanced productivity and ensured faster service delivery, improving customer satisfaction.

Another benefit is that custom ERP solutions can be designed to work seamlessly with legacy systems or other tools already in use.

“Companies with custom dashboards report a 25% increase in operational efficiency.”
-Gartner

4. Challenges to Consider

While custom ERPs offer numerous benefits, there are challenges to consider. Developing a tailored system requires a deep understanding of your business processes, which can take time and effort. 

Over the past decade, our Digital Studio has successfully delivered multiple systems with simplified, user-centric designs. We prioritize extensive collaboration, and a deep understanding of user needs to create seamless experiences. Our Digital Product Operations team are available for managing any ongoing maintenance or adjustments, ensuring cost efficiency and minimizing risks.

With Online, every challenge is met with a reliable and innovative solution. We bring multiple years of experience to transform your ideas into reality, and our expertise ensures a seamless process from concept to implementation, addressing these challenges with innovative solutions and a commitment to delivering value-driven results.

If you are evaluating your options and seeking the best path forward, we invite you to connect with us for a conversation. Together, we can explore your unique needs and determine the most effective solution for your business.

About the Author

Aditya is a seasoned digital designer with over multiple years of experience in crafting people-centric digital products. Renowned for his thought leadership, he leverages extensive industry knowledge and data insights to create solutions tailored to target markets. With a proven track record in diverse sectors such as AI chatbots, lottery and gaming, agriculture, and travel and tourism, Aditya has successfully led numerous projects, bringing a deep understanding of both market needs and user experiences. 

In his role as Online as a UX Consultant he is dedicated to creating meaningful and realistic work that resonates with people in their everyday lives while emphasizing purpose-driven design. Over the years, Aditya has developed functional, elegant, and empowering designs that have positively impacted both people and businesses.