Many software buyers are attracted to the benefits that enterprise-wide solutions promise: seamless integration, lower software costs, centralized support, and multiple uses across departments and programs. ERP, CRM, or BPM solutions can do a lot and there’s a reason why they are so popular and used across finance, human resources, data management, customer-centric workflows, and more.
However, at Windsor, we have seen how these enterprise software deployments can be far from ideal. In fact, industry leaders such as IDC and Gartner have reported for years that failure rates and low user satisfaction specifically for ERP and CRM solutions are far too common. When our solution is compared to one of these broader-based solutions by a prospective buyer, we often find ourselves explaining how ours, created for one industry, is in fact the more practical, affordable choice, with high success rates and satisfaction.
It’s not that there isn’t a good place for enterprise-wide solutions! It’s just that one size doesn’t always “fit all” across an organization, especially at the state level.
Pros and Cons of Enterprise-Wide Solutions
Here are some reasons why.
Pros Enterprise-wide solutions can consolidate databases and standardize tasks across different functions and business process areas. These solutions can lead to cost savings through volume discounts, consistent training and support from a single vendor, improved executive visibility across functions, fewer solutions for IT support staff to learn, and simplified procurement and software maintenance processes.
Cons However, the reality is far more complex. After the steep learning curve with many enterprise-wide solutions, the platform still leaves effort towards extensive customization to accommodate niche processes. Nuanced, specialized processes can easily be under-estimated, causing more work than realized. So, there can be a significant “recreating of the wheel” effect because there are no “templates or structures” already in place to accommodate specialized requirements. This customization can pose a significant challenge for those tasked to implement the system. Separately, enterprise software may not always translate into truly streamlined operations with enough common workflows and shared data across functional departments or programs. Specifically, there may be a need to keep databases in a distributed architecture so that each database’s structure is easy to maintain. When things are too centralized, there can be too many layers added, causing increased complexity with not enough benefits.
We hold a deep conviction that our environmental agency platform meets everything that executives, IT management and end users want, especially when compared to an enterprise-wide solution.
Simon Watson, Windsor Solutions
Our biggest concern with ERP solutions is in the details.
We know that software details matter. That’s why we have been partnering with environmental agencies and developing these details for over 25 years.
Here’s where a one-size-fits-all approach may not work. We know of cases where enterprise systems were chosen before getting sufficient input from end-users and software implementers. Without that important input, the solution can lead to a mismatch between system capabilities and user requirements. As a result, it will fail to address the specific needs and the flexibility to adapt to evolving requirements and operational workflows.
It’s critical that those who will use the solution are included upfront for best user satisfaction, and deployment success.
If you are considering an enterprise solution, we recommend giving the prospective vendor some nuanced use cases and let them demonstrate in a meeting how their platform will build for them. It is key to have subject matter experts (SMEs) who actually do the work in the discussion. These SMEs play a vital role in bridging the gap between user requirements and system capabilities, ensuring a smoother implementation process. Next, compare their approach with a specialty vertical software vendor (like Windsor).
By presenting vendors with nuanced use-case scenarios and evaluating each solution through these real-life cases, organizations can ensure a better fit and increased chances of success.
Conclusion
Enterprise-wide solutions hold promise for organizations seeking to streamline operations and reduce costs. However, a buyer’s careful approach that takes into account the unique needs of those who will be involved in the implementation and the use of software solutions can help pave the way for success.
Simon Watson
About Windsor Solutions
All environmental agencies have unlimited environmental challenges but with limited resources. Our job has been to enable them to be better at their tasks, which includes helping them with quicker visibility, stronger workflow efficiencies, and better tools to act with precision.
We remain a hopeful group at Windsor, doing what we can do to simplify and streamline the work of governmental agencies across all states. After all, they have much still to do, and so do we.
If you’d like to give us feedback on this blog or generally contact us, we’d love to hear from you.
