5 Signs You Need New ERP Software

As a business evolves, a company’s original ERP system may no longer meet their growing needs. How can you tell when it’s time to upgrade your system? Here are five signs that suggest it might be time to consider upgrading to a new ERP software.

1. System Integration Issues

One of the most telling signs that you need new ERP software is when your current system struggles to integrate seamlessly with other software used by your business. The ability to integrate with third-party applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, e-commerce platforms, or advanced analytics tools, is crucial. If your current ERP can’t connect efficiently, it might be time to look for a solution that can.

2. Poor Usability and User Experience

If the users of your ERP system consistently face difficulties in navigating the interface or complain about its complexity, it’s a significant indicator that your system might be outdated. Modern ERP solutions are designed with user experience in mind, providing intuitive interfaces and customisable dashboards that can make daily operations more manageable and less time-consuming. An ERP system that isn’t user-friendly can lead to decreased employee productivity and frustration.

3. Inadequate Data Analysis and Reporting Capabilities

Businesses must be able to rely on their ERP systems for accurate and timely data analysis and reporting. If your current system requires manual workarounds to produce reports, cannot handle real-time data processing or lacks customisable reporting features, it may hinder your ability to make informed business decisions quickly. New ERP software can offer advanced analytics tools and real-time data insights.

4. Scalability Issues

As businesses grow, their software needs to grow with them. An ERP system that was a perfect fit when your company was smaller may not be suitable for handling increased operational complexity or larger volumes of data. If your current system can’t scale effectively with your business, leads to frequent system crashes, or requires constant costly customisations to meet basic needs, it’s probably time to switch to a more scalable ERP solution.

5. High Maintenance Costs

Older ERP systems can be expensive to maintain. As software vendors gradually reduce support for older versions, you may find yourself paying more for custom support services, security patches and updates. If the cost of maintaining your current ERP system is consistently high, investing in a new system could be more cost-effective in the long run. Modern ERP systems are often more efficient, require less custom maintenance and offer better security features, which can reduce overall IT costs.

Recognising when your current ERP system is no longer serving its purpose is key to avoiding productivity loss and potential revenue declines. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new ERP software that better fits your evolving business needs. Transitioning to a new system can seem daunting, but the long-term benefits of enhanced integration, usability, analytics, scalability, and cost efficiency are well worth the effort.

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April 23, 2024

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It’s valid to ask, “Do I have to use Making Tax Digital for my business?” If you haven’t started exploring how MTD affects you or your business yet, now is the right time to prepare for the shift. In our MTD-readiness guide, you’ll learn if your business will be impacted by the April 2026 deadline and how you can prepare in advance. Making Tax Digital April 2026 - What Does It Mean? From April 2026, MTD for ITSA will apply to: Self-employed individuals Landlords (those with income from UK property or overseas property) Partnerships with self-employed individuals, where the combined turnover crosses the threshold People with multiple income sources. For example, a self-employed individual who also has rental income Thresholds for Compliance: From April 2026: Those with a gross annual income over £50,000 From April 2027: Those with income over £30,000 From April 2028: Those with income over £20,000 These thresholds are for gross business/ trading and/or property income before expenses, not income from profit. What Do the HMRC Making Tax Digital 2026 Changes Mean for Your Business? If these upcoming changes apply to you, you’ll need to: Start Maintaining Digital Records Keeping paper trails or spreadsheets isn’t enough (unless spreadsheets are used via bridging software). You’ll also need to keep digital records of your income and expenses, which is best done with MTD-compatible software in Business Central. Start logging business expenses, sales, income, and bank transactions. Take photos of receipts and upload them to the records. Submit Quarterly Updates Instead of one annual tax return, from April 2026, you’ll need to send four quarterly updates. These updates report your tax position after every quarter, lowering the load and stress of the year-end rush. Remember to submit updates by: August 7 (for quarter ending July 5) November 7 (for quarter ending Oct 5) February 7 (for quarter ending January 5) May 7 (for quarter ending April 5) Create a Final Declaration You’ll also need to send an End of Period Statement (EoPS) and a Final Declaration at the end of the tax year, replacing the traditional self-assessment exercise. Common Making Tax Digital Problems Businesses May Face Ahead of MTD 2026 In the rush to meet the upcoming deadline, your business may face some common Making Tax Digital problems. Here’s how you can resolve them: 1. Using Incompatible or Unapproved Software Making Tax Digital mandates the use of compatible and approved software for submissions. 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