Spreadsheets and basic accounting software carry many businesses a long way. At some point, though, the time spent reconciling files and chasing numbers costs more than a proper system. These are the signs we look for when clients ask whether it is time for ERP.
Warning signs
- Month-end closing takes more than a week because data comes from many files.
- Stock figures in the warehouse and in accounts never match.
- Sales staff call the office to check stock or customer dues.
- Only one or two people understand the key spreadsheets.
- Management reports are prepared by hand and arrive late.
- Approvals happen over phone calls with no record.
Why accounting software alone is not enough
Accounting software records transactions well, but it rarely manages purchasing, stock movements, production, sales orders and HR together. The gaps get filled with spreadsheets again, and the same problems return.
How we move clients to ERP step by step
- Start with accounting and inventory, replacing the most painful spreadsheets first.
- Add sales and purchasing so orders flow straight into stock and accounts.
- Add HR and payroll once the core is stable.
Each step uses data that is already clean from the previous one, which keeps the rollout manageable for a small team.
Keep what works
Spreadsheets remain useful for analysis. The goal is to stop using them as the system of record. Most ERPs export to Excel, so finance teams can keep their favourite analysis while the source data stays reliable.
Frequently asked questions
Is ERP too expensive for a small business?
Not any more. Cloud ERP with monthly plans makes it affordable for small teams.
How long does the first step take?
Accounting and inventory can often go live within a few weeks.
Related reading
For the product view of this topic, read Spreadsheets vs Accounting Software vs ERP on the Reckon ERP blog.
Planning a project? Book a free consultation with our team, or see our Reckon ERP service.
