ERP systems are an investment, one takes advantage of technology to improve and excel an organizations’ business processes. It’s an investment SMB especially need to carefully investigate. That’s why we are so excited that Acumatica ERP has developed an ERP TCO calculator. It’s just the tool to help evaluate ERP options and weigh the costs.
Together, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and the Return on Investment (ROI) measured by this calculator will offer the “True Cost” of implementing a new system and provide data to compare ERP vendors.
Cloud ERP systems, unlike legacy systems, provide a single version of the truth in real time. They automate business management processes, provide mobility and adapt to specific requirements – all of which benefits the customer. The benefits, however, come with a price; businesses must justify the expense and understand the cost of maintaining their legacy ERP system, before making such a large expenditure.
The justification comes in the form of calculating the ERP Total Cost of Ownership (ERP TCO) and includes determining the Return on Investment (ROI). Acumatica’s ERP TCO calculator helps midsize businesses find the true costs of a modern ERP system.
ERP total cost of ownership
The ERP TCO is calculated by always using the purchase price and implementation costs of the ERP system, but must also include the operating costs for the 5 to 10 years the system will be in production.
The upfront costs include hardware expenses, software license fees, IT staff and installation expenses of the overall system. The actual implementation of the software business process, user training, and customization all round out the initial costs.
As easy as it is to consider these clear-cut costs, there are concealed expenses to consider. We use the illustration of an iceberg to show how these expenses are not apparent to the buyer. The tip of an iceberg juts above the water but a massive body of ice hides underneath, a veritable obstacle if undetected. The underwater body of ice is indicative of hidden expenses.
For this reason, we break down the cost of an ERP system into four components so that all costs are taken into account; the top two are the clear costs and the bottom two are the hidden costs businesses may fail to include in their budget for the life cycle of the new system:
1. Software fees
2. Implementation people costs
3. On-going infrastructure expense
4. On-going people cost
Hidden costs of an ERP implementation process include the amount of time existing employees will need to spend on the implementation while continuing to perform their regular duties. Additional staff to help with the new procedures may be needed. Also consider the infrastructure expenses, cost of retraining employees, future software upgrades and customizations.
For on-premise systems TCO, the ongoing maintenance fees can run you about 18% of the current list price of the software every year. When added up, with price increases, you are essentially buying the system again every five years.
It’s a lot to consider. But it’s also important to balance the costs out against the increased ROI you receive.
Acumatica’s ERP TCO calculator
Acumatica’s ERP TCO calculator is the tool to use when calculating your ERP TCO along with your ERP ROI; it gives you a clear picture of the differences in costs associated with legacy and modern systems. Exploring your possible ROI and your TCO shouldn’t be complicated. The ERP TCO calculator simplifies the process for you.
For your possible ROI, an interactive table will give you the potential financial savings in the areas of profitability, operating costs, administration costs, and inventory levels.
From there, explore your TCO using your ROI results. You start with five simple questions and then compare the cost of doing nothing (keeping your legacy ERP system) or choosing a new system.
You’ll receive a full, printable summary based on your information, which gives you an estimate to start your justification process. The calculator is also a means to compare the different ERP systems on the market.
Get your true ERP total cost of ownership calculation
We know this is a big decision. But our ERP TCO calculator is meant to take the fear out of the justification process and to shed light on the fact that maintaining a legacy system may cost you more in the long run. Are you ready to start the process? Try out the free, easy-to-use, and private calculator.
Ultimately, every business’ needs are different and your results are unique to your organization. With this in mind, we are available to discuss your results and to assist you with the next steps of the process. Contact CompuTec Integrated Solutions today!
Blog originally written by Ray Rebello, Director of Product Marketing at Acumatica
About Acumatica and CompuTec Integrated Solutions
Acumatica ERP delivers adaptable cloud and mobile technology with a unique all-inclusive user licensing model. It enables users with a real time view of their business anytime, anywhere. Acumatica provides the full suite of integrated business management applications, including Financials, Distribution, Manufacturing, Project Accounting, and CRM.
CompuTec Integrated Solutions is a proud partner of Acumatica Cloud ERP. With over 20 years in the ERP world and as an IBM Business Partner, CompuTec Integrated Solutions is able to provide its customers with the technology and experience needed to thrive in a growing and evolving marketplace. More than just a service provider; CompuTec Integrated Solutions is a consultative resource that can help steer a business in the right direction throughout the IT lifecycle – from implementation, setup, configuration, to the support thereafter.