5 signs it’s time to switch your ERP: A guide for GovCons

A successful government contractor knows that running a smooth operation depends on having the right enterprise resource planning (ERP) tool. But when your current software no longer delivers, it may be time to consider switching — especially with so many strong examples of enterprise resource planning systems available today.

Choosing the right government ERP can help GovCons manage compliance, improve reporting, and scale operations. But how do you when it’s time to make a change? Here are five signs that your ERP isn’t doing its job — plus, a real-life story of a GovCon who switched to a better ERP system and came out ahead.

What are the warning signs that it’s time to switch ERP systems?

The right ERP system can transform your organization. It can improve financial tracking, project visibility, and operational efficiency.

The challenge is that you need the right ERP system for your company and its needs. However, not every ERP system is built for government contracting.

Here are five signs it might be time to leave your current provider and explore better examples of ERP systems for government contractors.

1. Operational inefficiency

If your current government ERP system is causing bottlenecks, delays, or needs a frequent manual workaround, it’s probably hurting productivity and project performance. The right system should help your team work faster with more clarity about important project details, like team responsibilities, task status, and upcoming deadlines.

2. Lack of scalability

The main thing an ERP should do is help you scale by automating or removing redundant activities – especially tasks like checking for errors or moving data between spreadsheets and other documents.  If your ERP system can’t scale as you take on larger contracts,, it's time to look at better alternatives — particularly ERP systems built for GovCons.

3. Inadequate support and limited updates

Technology evolves rapidly. Government ERP software needs to keep pace with changing federal requirements. If your ERP system lags behind, it may hamper your business growth and compliance efforts. Make sure your ERP provider has control over their roadmap. And if they don’t, it’s a signal to explore more responsive ERP system examples and options.

4. Poor integration

Your ERP system should effortlessly integrate with your financial systems, HR tools, and project platforms you use. If your current system fails to connect with essential government ERP tools, it’s a sign you need a more flexible and comprehensive solution. 

5. Weak reporting and analytics

In today’s data-driven environment, having access to robust reporting and analytics is essential. If your ERP system falls short in this area, it’s time to look for one that offers advanced data management capabilities. This might be the most obvious sign: if you can’t produce reports quickly and easily, it’s time to look for a new enterprise resource planning system.

Case study: How Skybridge Tactical successfully switched ERPs

Skybridge Tactical was a GovCon grappling with inefficiencies due to their underperforming ERP. The system's inability to manage resources effectively and maintain proper cost controls created significant barriers to their growth. Recognizing the need for change and evaluating their ERP options, the GovCon decided to switch to Unanet — a purpose-built government ERP solution.

The decision was the right one. Unanet's robust functionality and user-friendly interface led to a complete transformation of their business. What could have been a daunting task was actually a seamless transition, thanks to Unanet’s dedicated customer success and support teams. Skybridge Tactical saw immediate gains in efficiency and profitability, dramatically improving their business outcomes.

The reason Skybridge Tactical moved away from their old government ERP system was straightforward: the legacy system could not keep up with the evolving demands of the increasingly competitive GovCon market. Skybridge Tactical needed an ERP system that offered real-time insights and was built specifically for government contractors.

Unanet was the answer. Not only was the system ideal for their needs, but Skybridge Tactical also impressed with the dedicated support Unanet offered.

Key benefits Skybridge Tactical gained by switching to a government ERP system

• Real-time visibility: The shift to Unanet allowed Skybridge Tactical to gain real-time visibility into project costs and resources compared to the sluggish response time of the legacy system.

• Enhanced efficiency: The comprehensive functionalities of Unanet streamlined operations and offered a tool the team actually wanted to use.

• Better cost control: With accurate and timely data, Skybridge Tactical maintained stringent cost controls to better manage their government contracts.

To learn more about why and how Skybridge successfully transitioned to a government ERP system, read their full success story.

The power of choosing the right ERP tool

Skybridge Tactical’s success story highlights the importance of choosing the right government ERP system. For a GovCon, timely, accurate data is crucial. The right government ERP system streamlines operations, improves decision-making, and reduces operational friction. This leads to stronger business results.

If your current ERP system is underperforming, switching to a more effective solution can provide substantial benefits. 

You’ll find an enterprise resource planning system designed for government contractors can help your team be more efficient and support compliance.The right ERP shouldn’t introduce more obstacles to your operations – it should make business easy. Reach out today to learn more about why Unanet might be the best choice for your organization.