Tired of working on multiple Excel files, manually rewriting data and discrepancies between systems? It's not only frustrating, but also risky - especially in the medical distribution industry, where precision, compliance and responsiveness matter. If you notice that your processes are starting to resemble makeshift solutions from a previous era, it's time for a concrete change. It's time to integrate with ERP.
But beware - a well-planned integration is not just about implementing technology. It's a project that can bring real benefits... or generate unnecessary costs and chaos. In this article, I'll show you how to prepare for such an undertaking with your head - so that you don't burn through your budget and discourage your team at the start.
Too often we encounter the approach: “ERP has an API, then somehow it will work”. Unfortunately - it won't. Integration with ERP is not just a technical issue. It's a strategic decision that affects every aspect of your business - from order entry to batch control and regulatory compliance.
It's not enough for the systems to “get along.” You need to plan exactly which data will be synchronized, when, how and what happens if something goes wrong. In medical distribution, the margin for error doesn't exist.
Add to this the fact that not every ERP system is flexible - some have outdated architecture, lack of documentation or zero technical support. Modern cloud solutions, on the other hand, also impose their own conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare properly even before the IT team writes the first line of code.
Don't start with coding. Start by asking: what do we really want to improve? Maybe it's order processing? Maybe verifying expiration dates or handling returns? If you don't understand your current processes, you won't design an effective solution. And it's not just about maps and diagrams - you need operational knowledge, preferably gathered from people on the front line.
This is one of the more common mistakes: we set out to integrate, and along the way we find that we don't have access to ERP technical documentation. Without it, even the best development team will be operating in the dark. Determine beforehand what data can be pulled, how interfaces work and whether the ERP vendor makes support available.
Want to integrate everything at once? Wrong. Choose one process that will have a quick and measurable effect - such as automating order entry. Minimum Viable Product (MVP), a minimal version of the software, helps reduce risk and convince skeptics in the company that ERP integration really works.
Working with a software house is usually based on the Time & Materials model - you pay for actual work time. This is fair and flexible, as long as you agree in advance on budget forks, labor hour rates, milestones and scope of activities. Don't be afraid to ask - a good business partner will be transparent.
Without a decision-maker on the client's side, the project simply won't take off. Someone has to make decisions, answer questions, test solutions. If you don't have such a person, you also don't have integration readiness. What's more, when planning any software project, it's a good idea to plan a strategy for software implementation even before you start programming. A good strategy will engage the team and prepare them for change. We wrote more about this in a separate article.
ERP integration is quite a challenge for many companies. Here are three mistakes that can derail even the best plan:
It's not just about implementing new technology. Integration with ERP is a way to increase efficiency, eliminate errors and have more control over company data. But to make it work, you must be ready to carry out such a project. You are prepared if:
Integration with ERP is a real opportunity to regain control of your data, increase the efficiency of your team and eliminate errors that are costing you time and money today. But the key to success lies in preparation - without it, even the best technology won't deliver the results you're looking for.
If you're serious about implementation, don't put it off. Let's talk about your situation, processes and integration options. Book a free consultation with our team and see how we can help you.
