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ERP Software Products

A Guide on Selling Your  ERP Software Products in 2023

Back then, cinemas were the only place that people go to watch movies. But, now, people watch and stream movies online via their smart television, mobile phones or Ipads from streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Youtube etc., right at the comfort of their couch. Over the course of time, the entertainment sphere, along with communication, education, as well as business, and many other things, has radically changed.

ERP software firms, like film production companies, do a careful study on how to market and sell their products and services. But, with the long list of strategies available in the marketplace today, one is likely to cut and try several tactics which could be a waste of time.

Related: Sales Prospecting and Lead Generation for SAP ERP Solutions

What is ERP and how does it work?

erp software

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a type of software used by businesses to manage various aspects of business operations including human resources management, financial management, inventory management, supply chain management, and customer relationship management.

An ERP system is a centralized database that enables better information sharing and communication among departments within an organization. It can help companies in streamlining their operations, lowering expenses, enhance productivity, and come up with more informed decisions based on real-time data.

This system of software applications provides a snapshot of how proficiently a company’s key functions, such as sales and inventory levels, are working together. Businesses can better plan how to use their centralized resources across the enterprise by doing so.

Here are some key components of how ERP works:

  1. Centralized database
    An ERP’s centralized database stores all the relevant data fed into the system across the enterprise. This allows the company and its employees to access information from any device, at any time, improving responsiveness and efficiency.
    A centralized database links together all the functions like production, human resources, accounting, maintenance, sales and purchases, inventory, and supply chain. A single data entry affects all of these.
  2. Modules
    An ERP module is a standalone application in an ERP system that offers specific functionalities to other business departments. This is a software component (or a group of components) that provides specific features or functionalities to a larger ERP system.
    These modules are designed to address specific business needs and requirements, and they are often customized to fit the specific processes and workflows of an organization.
    Data entry forms, dashboards, reports, processes, and reports are a few of the features and capabilities that are normally specific to each ERP module. These modules can be combined to give a complete picture of an organization’s activities, facilitating better decision-making and process improvement.
  3. Automation
    The ERP system automates many of the routine tasks that were previously performed manually. This can include things like generating invoices, creating purchase orders, and managing inventory levels.
    ERP systems heavily rely on automation to boost efficiency by streamlining operations, eliminating manual data entry, and reducing errors.
  4. Reporting
    Data from multiple business processes and functions, such as CRM, finance, supply chain, and accounting, are consolidated and integrated by ERP systems. Reports that offer insights into the operation of the firm are then generated using this data.

Examples of ERP

Now that we’ve discussed ERP and how it works, let’s now take a look at its examples. ERP systems can be divided into three groups:

In-Premise ERP

On-premise ERP systems are set up and run on a business’s own computing hardware and servers. These systems offer total control and complete ERP system customization, but they come with large up-front fees for software licenses and hardware.

Since this software solution is installed and hosted locally on a company’s own servers and hardware infrastructure, it’s the company’s responsibility to maintain and manage the software, as well as the hardware infrastructure required to run it.

Cloud-based ERP

Unlike traditional ERP systems, a cloud-based ERP is hosted on a cloud platform, which means that the software is accessible over the Internet, and the user doesn’t have to maintain and manage the software or the hardware infrastructure.

Cloud ERP is often provided “as a service,” hosted on a provider’s cloud computing infrastructure (software-as-a-service or SaaS ERP). Instead of owning the program, customers lease it through a yearly or monthly subscription. The provider handles application maintenance, updates and innovations, data storage, and security; there are no upfront hardware costs.

Hybrid ERP

A hybrid ERP is a combination of both on-premise and cloud-based ERP components. In essence, it integrates the benefits of cloud-based ERP systems with the management and security features of on-premise ERP systems.

Businesses can now have more flexibility and control over their ERP infrastructure with the help of Hybrid ERPs. For instance, highly sensitive data can be kept on-premise, while less critical ones can be stored in the cloud. By doing this, companies can safeguard their important data while still utilizing the adaptability and cost savings of cloud-based solutions.

Selling ERP: The challenges

challenges in selling ERP software

Keeping up with the latest business trends and advancing your progression in the digital era involves upgrading your business landscape, and this means implementing ERP for your business.

Organizations can drive strategic change and integrate cutting-edge technologies with the aid of properly configured ERP software.

Despite the many benefits this software offers, many business owners are still hesitant to purchase it. Selling ERP can be challenging due to the following reasons:

ERP systems can be hefty for small and medium-sized businesses. Also, it can be difficult to persuade consumers to make a sizable investment in an ERP system, especially if they are already utilizing alternative systems or procedures.

The changes brought about by ERP can sometimes be met with resistance from people or businesses who are accustomed to old strategies. ERP systems are also highly customizable, which can make it difficult to sell a standard solution to a customer with specific needs.

Another reason why ERPs are hard to sell is because of the vast number of competing solutions in the market. This can make it challenging to differentiate a particular solution from the competition.

Lastly, an ERP’s implementation time is typically lengthy. It can take months or years, and this can be a major obstacle for companies that seek to see a quick return on investment.

When selling a complex, ERP cloud-based offering to your leads, you’re bound to encounter some stakeholders who are hesitant to accept your offers. But, don’t fret!

Here’s free access to a list of winning marketing strategies to sell ERP software:

Related: The Modern Tech Buyer and Your ERP Solution: Selling for Success

Inbound Marketing

Customers visit your website because they are looking for solutions. However, simply listing a range of your products online will not suffice their needs. They need information, the benefits, and how your product differentiates from their current system. All these and more should be easily accessed by your target customers, otherwise, they’ll leave sooner than 15 seconds after logging on.

  • Create a quality website and content optimized for SEO
  • Do PPC to ensure top placements for higher online visibility
  • Offer your website visitors fresh and useful Content
  • Share and promote your content on Social Media
  • Create top-notch Landing Pages with CTAs that convert

Outbound Marketing

Outbound Marketing such as cold calling and unsolicited emails is less outstanding, others say. But, the new generation of marketers has labeled it differently, applying less aggressive, but more effective ways of attracting customers.

  • Identify market segments to cater to the right industries for your ERP software
  • Connect with your ideal customers via Social Media
  • Educate and nurture customers through Email Marketing
  • Utilize Cold Calling to follow up
  • Reach out to prospects via Mobile

Explore our Services: B2B Software Lead Generation for Businesses in APAC

Account Based Marketing

Data has gotten bigger. Thus, giving ERP software companies the ability to collect information about their target prospects as to who would best qualify to purchase. Account-based marketing will help you establish a 1:1 connection with the right decision-maker/s in your target companies.

  • Focus on high-value accounts by identifying target companies with the highest potential of turning into your customers.
  • Gain an in-depth understanding of each target account by building complete profiles of the individuals involved in the decision-making process.
  • Reach out to each identified decision-maker using the right mix of personalized outreach and digital touchpoints.
  • Go beyond initiating contacts with stakeholders, by nurturing each interested decision maker in order to help them move into the next steps of the buying process.

Events Marketing

One of the top strategies to sell your ERP software is to engage in events, whether you are hosting or co-sponsoring. Being around your target customers and giving them first-hand information and experience of your product enhances interest and increases your chance of converting them into users. In fact, statistics show:

  • Most (41%) marketers believe that events are the single-most effective marketing channel over digital advertising, email marketing, and content marketing.
  • 55% of B2B organizations spend over 21% of their marketing budgets on events.
  • Businesses within the software and services industry invest more heavily, and consistently in in-person events with 42% of these allocating over 21% of their budgets to events.
  • $7,500 is the median increase in the event technology budget for 2019.
  • 76% of marketers say their event and experiential marketing initiatives are integrated with their other marketing campaigns.
  • 62% of marketers who use email marketing to promote their events use event marketing software.
  • App-powered events generate 42% more social media impressions.
  • 50% of marketers say their primary reason for events are lead generation/sales and community building.

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Stream and discover winning ways to sell your ERP software products – inbound, outbound, ABM, and events marketing. If you think some old tactics still work best for you, keep them. However, bear in mind that ERP industry trends are constantly evolving. What works for your company now might not be suitable in the future.

If you encounter challenges in marketing your ERP software products or seek to enhance your sales, you may want to consider outsourcing your software lead generation efforts to trusted third-party companies can be an available solution. Consider Callbox as one such company, where you can save valuable resources, time, and money.

Callbox is a premier B2B lead generation services provider in the software industry, helping businesses acquire quality leads and achieve growth since 2004. Our specialized expertise in the APAC region provides valuable insights into market dynamics, customer preferences, and an understanding of cultural nuances and business practices for effective targeted marketing strategies.

We excel in inbound, outbound, and account-based marketing, supported by our multi-touch multi-channel strategy and AI-powered tools, enabling us to help your business reach, acquire, and follow up your target prospects, ultimately converting them into clients.

In addition to lead generation, Callbox empowers your business with services in events marketing, virtual events and webinars, and database solutions.

Our tailored marketing solutions come with flexible pricing options to suit your specific business needs (request for pricing).

Accelerate your ERP Software sales with quality leads and secured appointments. Contact us now!