High-Cost and Low-Performing ERP Data Collection Modules Are Hurting Your Business—But There’s a Smarter Alternative

Adopting a high-quality ERP system can cost a pretty penny, but is it worth your time and effort? Imagine relying on ERP systems to help you simplify the process of capturing business data, only to realize that they are expensive and you have to pay extra for important functionalities like data collection.

The good news? There are more specialized solutions that can provide superior data collection features without the hefty price tag of ERP systems. In this article, we uncover the hidden costs of ERP data collection modules and show you alternatives that can do the same job better and for less.

Add-on Expenses of Data Collection Modules in ERPs

Costly ERP modules Many ERP implementations exceed the initial budget, costing three to four times more than planned. One of the main causes of these added expenses is that ERPs sell data collection modules as add-ons instead of including them as standard features in their core package. Simply put, it’s like buying a fancy car only to discover that you’ll have to pay extra for essential features like air conditioning or seat adjustment.

Module costs are also likely to rise if your company has unique data collection needs. This is because fitting ERP data collection modules to your company’s workflow entails special code changes. Aside from charging for add-ons, ERP vendors have other hidden costs, such as:

Licensing and additional fees for data volume or user seats
Technical support and maintenance fees
High training costs for implementing ERP data collection modules
Costs for integrating data collection modules with ERP systems, such as finance, HR, and inventory management

Sub-Par Performance of ERP Systems

Sub-Par Performance of ERP Systems Oracle NetSuite reports that nearly 50% of all ERP implementations fail the first time. Despite the high prices at which ERP modules are sold, this statistic highlights their severe shortcomings, such as a lack of offline capabilities, basic interfaces that cannot handle complex data entry needs, and data integration issues.

ERP systems are likely to derail even after implementation if they operate within a poorly defined scope or if your company engages with the wrong ERP partner. A case in point was the spectacular failure of a new ERP system employed by Mission Produce. This California-based company had to pour an additional $3.8 million to fix the issues caused during ERP implementation.

ERP systems are critical to many businesses, but often the data collection modules for front-line workers are sadly lacking.

Mobile Data Collection Apps: A Better Alternative to ERP Data Collection Modules

Mobile Data Collection Apps: A Better Alternative to ERPs Mobile data collection apps can be a lifesaver for companies with weak data collection modules or whose ERP systems fail. These apps are specifically designed to help you make data entry and collection easier with an advanced, user-friendly interface, customization options, and performance across various devices. The best solutions integrate with your existing databases and systems, to add value to your existing ERP deployment.

However, the best part is that they offer this added value at a fraction of the cost of ERP data collection modules. If you own a small or medium-sized business and cannot afford a costly ERP system, mobile data collection apps can save you a lot of money while meeting your data-gathering needs. Here are more reasons why you should consider these apps over pricey ERP modules:

Mobile apps work well on all handheld devices, like smartphones and tablets, allowing your staff to enter data in the field with one hand.
Frequent updates to mobile data apps ensure that they meet complex business needs without the high maintenance costs of ERP modules.
Mobile apps have offline features, including GPS tracking, barcode scanning, and image capture.
Mobile apps rely on configurations to offer you a hassle-free and low-cost way to personalize data forms and workflows.

Easier and Cost-Effective Data Collection with Alpha TransForm

Alpha TransForm mobile data collection apps Save your business from the clunky, expensive data collection modules of ERP systems. Instead, invest in Alpha TransForm’s smooth-running data collection solutions. One of the top reasons to use this flexible, mobile-friendly software is that you can try it for free.

Alpha TransForm allows your personnel to capture key data in the field using quick and efficient digitized forms—all from a mobile device. You can choose from a range of sample Alpha TransForm apps that best suit your company’s data collection needs.

Next, you can license these feature-rich apps for free and download the templates to build your customized version in a few hours without advanced coding skills. Some of our top-tier data collection app templates include:

The OSHA App template with 41 built-in questionnaires and self-inspection checklists
The Equipment Inspection checklist template with geotagging, custom branding, and one-handed entry keypad features
The Punch List App with voice notes, 3-level data structure, signature capture, and free text fields
The Visiting Nurse App to log patient data, including barcode scanning, drug information, voice notes, and geolocation features

Your business can save thousands of dollars with Alpha TransForm data collection apps and dashboards, which include extensive features such as: Easier and Cost-Effective Data Collection with Alpha TransForm

Offline data collection abilities so you can capture and store data with or without the internet
IF/THEN/ELSE commands to help automate workflows and meet bespoke business needs
Multimedia data handling for better organization and data retrieval
System integration to ensure smooth connectivity with business tools and workflows
Push notifications to receive timely alerts

Schedule a meeting with one of our solution experts today to learn more about our versatile data collection solutions and how they fit into your business needs.

Still not convinced? Read Don’t Settle for Basic: Your ERP’s Built-in Data Collection Isn’t Enough

Continue reading how to improve or augment your ERP deployment: