Implementing an ERP in Kenya involves tailoring it to your unique business needs. This process of adapting the ERP is called customization and configuration. Understanding the differences is vital for companies choosing an ERP in Kenya. Customization vs. configuration impacts your ERP implementation’s time, cost, and success.

ERP software manages a company’s core processes like finance, HR, manufacturing, and supply chain. While ERP delivers wide-ranging functionality out of the box, some adaptation is required to support an organization’s specific workflows and requirements. Configuration changes ERP settings and options without altering code. Customization involves modifying the software code and adding bespoke features.

Businesses need to understand when to configure or customize an ERP in Kenya. Getting this right ensures the software aligns closely with the organization without unnecessary complexity and costs.

ERP Configuration

Configuring an ERP system means setting up options and preferences within the existing software parameters. This allows businesses to tailor the system to operational needs without core code changes. Common ERP configuration activities include:

• Activating features and functionality
• Creating workflows and business logic
• Designing forms, fields, and templates
• Setting rules for data validation
• Building custom reports and dashboards
• Defining user roles and access levels
• Setting system preferences and interface options
• Integrating with other software systems

Configuration involves the implementation team using tools provided in the ERP platform. It does not require hardcore programming.

ERP Customization

Customizing an ERP solution means altering the source code and data structures to create bespoke functionality. This adds unique features, screens, fields, and workflows tailored to the organization. Reasons companies customize ERP systems include:

• Supporting country-specific compliance needs
• Integrating with legacy systems
• Adding niche workflows not in standard ERP
• Building custom interfaces and extensions
• Creating unique analytics tools

Customization involves specialized programmers and developers. It is more expensive than configuration and increases long-term maintenance costs.

Key Differences

Understanding the main differences between ERP configuration and customization is essential for Kenyan businesses:

• Flexibility – Configuration allows flexibility within existing ERP parameters. Customization is limitless but increases complexity.
• Cost – Configuration has no additional software fees. Customization is expensive, requiring development resources.
• Time – Configuration can happen during implementation. Customization extends the project timeline.
• Maintenance – Configuration changes remain part of the core ERP for easy maintenance. Custom code requires extra ongoing support.
• Upgrades – Configurations seamlessly transition between versions. Customizations may need reworking after ERP upgrades.

When to Configure vs. Customize an ERP in Kenya

Kenyan companies should use the following guiding principles for ERP configuration vs. customization:

• Configure First – Maximize configuration options before considering customization. This covers many standard business needs.
• Customize When Essential – Only customize if critical for a core competitive process is not achievable through configuration.
• Weigh Future Needs – Will customizations meet long-term needs or quickly become obsolete?
• Evaluate Costs – Customization dramatically increases implementation and support costs.
• Assess Integration Impact – Customizations can hinder integrating future ERP modules.

Key Selection Criteria for Kenyan Businesses

To enable both configuration and customization options, Kenyan companies should assess the following ERP capabilities:

Flexible Configuration Tools

The ERP platform should enable extensive configurations without coding through drag-and-drop tools, wizards, and templates.

Open Architecture

The ERP technology architecture needs open standards that facilitate custom integrations and extensions.

Customization Platform

Look for built-in customization platforms with development tools to create bespoke objects, code, and scripts.

Industry Best Practices

Pre-built industry templates speed up configuration by embedding best practice processes out of the box.

Localization for Kenya

Choose an ERP with existing Kenya-specific localization covering regulatory compliance, taxation, and languages.

Conclusion

The correct ERP platform allows system configuration and customization if needed. Kenyan firms may optimize ERP implementation by understanding the distinctions between configuration and customization. Contact Michigua Systems to learn more about ERP in Kenya and find the best solution for your business.