When you’re just starting out, QuickBooks is the default option. Easy to set up, familiar, and easy to use, the decision to use the product is usually an easy one. You made the decision years ago, and the software did its job. However, as your company grew, the software began to show its shortcomings. While the hassles haven’t completely overwhelmed your staff, you have begun to realize that the lights are on at the office a little bit later each month.
This is a very common occurrence—QuickBooks is an accounting application designed to handle the basic needs of small businesses. There comes a point in your operations that you can no longer justify using ‘accounting’ software—you need an ERP. Today, we look to discuss three scenarios for growing businesses that may cause you to realize it’s time to move on.
You’re Expanding
QuickBooks is a great solution for small businesses and may be able to handle a couple locations. However, once you enter new markets or open new warehouses, it becomes harder and harder to orchestrate everything. Calculating sales tax from a variety of states? Routing an order to the nearest warehouse? Getting a clear picture of your inventory? Nearly impossible for businesses trying to use this entry-level software for their growing business.
Expansion is rarely easy, but if you are trying to calculate different currencies or tax rates, reduce stock outs or overstocks, or even close the books for multiple locations using spreadsheets and QuickBooks, you are putting your business at risk. Worse yet, the lack of a centralized data source makes it nearly impossible to keep everyone in your organization on the same page.
With ERP, you can organize your business how you see fit, easily setting up multiple locations or companies and take control of the way you complete accounting and financial management tasks.
You Need Something Focused
No matter your industry, when you set up shop, you don’t need a lot of “bells and whistles.” Complete a service, sell a product, send an invoice, collect your money, and enter the transaction. However, as you grow, the number of incoming and outgoing invoices begins to increase, your contracts with customers become more complex, and you notice that the functionality a simple, entry-level accounting software is no longer enough to satisfy your business needs.
Focused ERP solutions have grown in popularity, offering easier customization and fewer challenges in the ongoing operation of the business. For distribution companies, a distribution-focused ERP is ready to handle your inventory, pick-pack-ship, and order management with ease. Retail companies benefit from sales tax integration ecommerce integration, while professional services firms gain visibility into project management, KPIs, and time management.
While no solution is one-size-fits-all, industry-specific editions of software like Acumatica provide your business a starting point from which customization is completed. Add or remove features as requirements change while making your people more productive.
You Need More Support
QuickBooks offers many different levels of software for small businesses ranging from the desktop software you can purchase at your local big box store to QuickBooks Online to the “enterprise” edition.
It’s easy to set up QuickBooks—so easy, in fact, that you could likely do it yourself.
However, as your business grows or becomes more complex, self-service is no longer an option. Even if you worked with an accountant or other partner to install the software, it’s unlikely that they have the size or scope to handle your needs.
For many small businesses, the support you receive is just enough to help you for the first few years, but rarely can these companies offer the continued partnership your growing business needs.
When you outgrow QuickBooks, it also comes with the realization that you can’t rely on a help desk or small accounting firm to provide you the assistance you deserve. When you’re closing the books, you can’t spend hours or days waiting for an answer.
Moving to an ERP solution comes with another benefit: A truly focused partner who has skills not only in accounting, but software as well. These companies provide hands-on support during the implementation process, have the skills to customize software for your needs, and can support you throughout the life of the software.
These partners get to know the ins and outs of your business and put their name on the line every single time they complete a project for a client. Your support requests are handled personally and professionally—when you call or submit a request, you can rest assured you will get an answer.
Crestwood Knows Acumatica—Get to Know Crestwood
As a top Acumatica Partner, we have the in-house resources that can make Acumatica work for you. A Gold Certified Acumatica Partner, a 2018 President’s Club member, and two time Acumatica Partner of the Year, we have the skills to help you make the move and the staff to support you.
Our staff boasts a large Acumatica team, including veteran developers, MVPs, and functional consultants that have the know-how to configure your system to best suit your needs. If you are looking for a true ERP and a partner to take you there, look no further than Crestwood.
Learn more about Acumatica by watching this brief demo and contacting us for a free consultation.
