Modern accounting systems are a vital part of any organization’s attempts to leverage data in today’s business landscape. But while you can easily find dozens of different solutions that will fit your needs quite well, the implementation process can be quite challenging for many reasons that have nothing to do with the technology involved.
Here are six roadblocks many organizations face when implementing a new accounting system in the Philippines.
1.) Insufficient user training
It doesn’t matter how powerful your new accounting software is if your employees are unable to use it effectively. Unfortunately, it’s quite common for employees to have difficulty transitioning to new systems and the negative effects on your business can last for months or even years.
To avoid this, continuous training for current and future employees has to be taken into consideration. Vendors should also be willing to help provide the support needed in this area.
2.) Data migration
The data that your systems are meant to handle is far more valuable than the systems themselves. This means that migrating your data to your new platform has to be done carefully and that planning for this migration has to be included in your priorities. This will help prevent a painful transition period or irreversible data loss later on.
3.) Rushing to purchase
While it’s true that it’s usually better to upgrade to a new system sooner rather than later, it’s still important to take the time needed to ensure that the best practical solutions are selected. Unfortunately, Filipino-owned businesses tend to purchase the first system that a vendor offers without considering if it meets a specific set of needs.
By taking the time to look at different options, you’re more likely to find a system that costs less and requires minimal customization.
4.) Lack of imagination
Accounting systems today can do more than just handle your accounting and payroll. They can be set up to automate virtually every part of your business, regardless of your industry. The reality is, the flexibility of modern systems is almost as great as the imagination of the users. If you’re not considering what else a new system can do apart from your accounting and payroll, you might be missing the point of upgrading.
5.) Too many customizations
Most organizations will have their needs adequately met by unmodified accounting software, provided the right modules and training are available. While sometimes needed, in reality, most customization is unnecessary and can introduce bugs into the system. Customization can also greatly increase the cost of implementation and push back delivery dates as well.
Try to take the time to find and test different off-the-shelf systems before you commit to having one customized. Chances are there will be a solution that works adequately out of the box.
6.) Failure to understand the benefits of new features
Many organizations miss out on the potential to improve different areas of their operations by using their new accounting system simply for accounting. Today’s modern systems go beyond helping you balance your ledger and payroll. They can be used to automate different aspects of your business, giving you immense savings on labor costs while allowing you to efficiently scale up different operations. They can also be accessed remotely without the need for your IT team to obsessively maintain it every day.
Sadly, many business owners and managers either do not understand the potential of their new systems are too bogged down in the way older accounting systems operated, causing their organization to miss out on a potential boost to their efficiency.
If you’re ready to update your accounting system, be sure to get in touch with the ANSI Information Systems, Inc. ANSI is a trusted vendor of accounting systems, offering SAP Business One and other accounting systems in the Philippines.
