Make your ERP work harder for your business

Welcome to our guest blog series, where business leaders and experts share their insights on how Pleo is helping companies of all sizes streamline their finances and boost financial resilience. In this edition, Jonathan Carr from Gravitate Accounting explains how Pleo supports SMEs in navigating today’s economic challenges.

Companies need to adapt quickly to stay competitive in today's fast-paced business environment. One way to ensure this adaptability is by having a robust and efficient ERP system. Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, maximising your ERP investment can significantly enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and create a solid foundation for growth.

At  NoBlue2, we’ve seen firsthand how businesses can unlock their full potential by optimising their ERP systems. Here’s our take on actionable strategies to ensure your ERP investment delivers the best return on investment (ROI) and supports sustainable growth.

 Are you using your ERP to its full potential?

Many businesses invest in an ERP system expecting immediate improvements, only to find they’re barely scratching the surface of its capabilities. Underutilisation can be a major roadblock to achieving real efficiency.

To get the most out of your ERP, you need to fully explore its features, which often include:

• Real-time data analytics

• Automated workflows

• Financial management tools

• Inventory and supply chain optimisation

• Customer relationship management (CRM)

By fully embracing these features, you’ll streamline processes, minimise manual effort, and gain valuable insights that empower data-driven decision-making. The key here is continuous learning and evolving alongside your ERP platform, don't just implement and forget.

Why integrating with other systems makes your ERP (even) smarter

One of the most significant advantages of modern ERP systems is their ability to integrate with other business tools and platforms, including HR software, accounting tools, and even employee expense management platforms like Pleo.

By integrating your ERP with systems such as Pleo, you can:

• Automate financial processes: With Pleo’s expense management tools, you can streamline your spending processes and integrate this data directly into your ERP, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors.
• Improve budget control: Real-time expense tracking lets you monitor business spending closely and ensure that your financials are aligned with business goals.
• Enhance operational visibility: Integration helps centralise data across departments, providing a holistic view of operations and enabling better forecasting and planning.

The more your ERP system connects with other essential tools, the more it can enhance efficiency across all business areas, from finance to procurement, HR, and sales.

Let automation do the heavy lifting

Automating routine processes is one of the most effective ways to get more value from your ERP. Modern ERP systems come equipped with automation features that eliminate time-consuming tasks like manual data entry, inventory tracking, order processing, and customer support.

By automating key workflows, businesses can:

• Free up employee time for more value-added tasks
• Reduce human error by letting the system handle routine activities
• Improve consistency across operations

When your ERP handles the busy work, your team can focus on growth and innovation.

Customising your ERP because no two businesses are the same 

While ERP systems come with robust standard features, no two businesses are exactly alike. You should customise the platform to meet your unique operational needs and maximise your ERP investment.

Customisation allows your ERP system to:

• Align with business processes: Tailor workflows, data fields, and reporting to match your specific operations and goals
• Enhance user adoption: A system customised to your team’s workflow will increase user engagement and ease of use
• Scale alongside your growth: Your business needs may evolve, and a customisable ERP ensures you can adapt without switching to a new system

At NoBlue2, we work with businesses to ensure their ERP solutions are tailored to their operational structure. This customisation results in improved usability and more relevant insights.

Your ERP is only as good as the people using it

Even the best ERP system won’t deliver results if your team doesn’t know how to use it properly. Ongoing training ensures employees stay up to date with features, best practices, and system updates.

Moreover, fostering a culture of continuous improvement is crucial. As your business grows, your ERP needs may evolve. Regularly reviewing and optimising your ERP system ensures it remains aligned with your goals, helping you streamline processes and keep pace with changes in the business environment.

Let data drive your decisions 

A fully optimised ERP system can be a treasure trove of actionable insights. By using ERP data effectively, you can make more informed decisions that drive business growth.

Consider using your ERP for:

• Predictive analytics to forecast market trends and demand
• Supply chain optimisation by tracking real-time inventory and sales data
• Performance tracking by measuring KPIs across departments

ERP systems consolidate all your business data into one location, providing the visibility needed to make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Future-proof your ERP system

The business world and the tools we use to manage our companies are rapidly changing. When investing in an ERP system, it's essential to consider how it will evolve as technology advances.

Opt for a flexible and scalable system with regular updates to adapt to new business challenges. A future-proof ERP system helps businesses keep pace with technological advancements, reducing the risk of obsolescence and ensuring long-term success.

Maximising your ERP investment is not just about installing a system—it’s about fully integrating it into your business operations and continually adapting it to meet your needs. With the right strategies, your ERP system can become a powerful tool to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and foster growth.

At NoBlue2, we specialise in helping businesses unlock the full potential of their ERP systems. By focusing on automation, integration, customisation, and training, companies can improve their bottom line and position themselves for long-term success.