Why Unanet is the right ERP for large GovCons  

GovCons have unique requirements, such as compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). As your GovCon grows, especially in cost-plus type contracts, your company is susceptible to more and more complex audits. Your ERP should support intricate cost accounting standards (CAS), project management for large-scale contracts (EVMS), purchasing (CPSR), and supply chain (MMAS). Additionally, it should facilitate adherence to cybersecurity regulations like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program.  

When selecting an ERP solution, consider the following: 

• Industry expertise. Ensure the vendor has a proven track record providing support for GovCons. 

• Compliance. The ERP must meet all regulatory compliance requirements. 

• Scalability. The system should grow with your business. 

• Customization. Look for solutions that can be tailored to your specific needs. 

• Support and training. Robust support and comprehensive training are essential for successful implementation. 

The first step is conducting a needs assessment. Identify the specific requirements of your organization, including compliance standards, functional capabilities, and integration needs. Create a detailed list of must-have features and use this as a benchmark when evaluating potential vendors. Engage stakeholders from various departments to gather input and ensure all needs are addressed. 

Customization options vary by vendor but typically include configurable workflows, customizable dashboards, and tailored reporting tools. Some ERPs allow for extensive customization through scripting or development environments, enabling you to create bespoke modules that address unique operational challenges. Ensure that any customizations maintain compliance with industry regulations. 

Choose an ERP that is specifically designed to meet government contracting regulations. Verify that the solution includes built-in compliance checks and audit trails. Regularly update your system to comply with evolving regulations and conduct periodic audits to ensure ongoing compliance. Engaging with vendors who offer dedicated compliance support can further enhance your regulatory adherence. 

Larger GovCons have a different set of expectations than small-to-midsize businesses. If you’re a large GovCon looking to evaluate and select an ERP, some best practices include: 

• Comprehensive needs assessment: Understand your business requirements thoroughly. What specific needs do you have from your ERP?  

• Vendor research: Select vendors with a strong reputation in the GovCon space. They should have experience working with large GovCons with customer testimonials to back up their claims.  

• Demonstrations and trials: Request demos and trial periods to evaluate the system’s functionality. 

• Stakeholder involvement: Involve key stakeholders in the selection process to ensure the ERP meets all departmental needs.  

• Future-proofing: Choose a scalable solution that can adapt to future business needs and regulatory changes. 

A robust ERP for government contractors should offer advanced reporting and analytics features, including: 

• Real-time dashboards: Provide immediate insights into project statuses and financial health. 

• Customizable reports: Tailor reports to meet specific regulatory and internal requirements. 

• Data visualization: Transform complex data sets into intuitive visual formats for easier interpretation. 

• Predictive analytics: Use historical data to forecast future trends and make informed decisions. 

• DataLake integration for Business Intelligence and other common analysis tools 

• Enterprise API for secure, instant bidirectional data flows 

Yes, a well-implemented ERP can break down silos by providing a centralized platform for data and processes. This integration fosters better communication and collaboration across departments, leading to increased efficiency and more informed decision-making. 

For your large GovCon, the key considerations for your ERP should include: 

• Compliance: Can the ERP meet all regulatory requirements? 

• Flexibility: Does the ERP allow for necessary customizations? 

• Integration: Can it seamlessly connect with existing systems? 

• Scalability: Will the ERP help grow with your business? 

• Support: Does the vendor offer comprehensive implementation and ongoing support? 

Scalability options include functionality expansions, cloud-based solutions that offer flexible resource allocation, and the ability to add users and capabilities as needed. Your chosen ERP should be able to scale without significant overhauls or disruptions to your operations. 

Training and support are critical to successful ERP implementation. You’ll want a vendor who doesn’t view your engagement as one between salesperson and customer, but as an evolving partnership. What support are they able to provide once you’ve purchased the software and are ready to use it? Look for vendors that provide: 

• Comprehensive training programs: Both initial and ongoing training should be available to ensure users are proficient. 

• Dedicated support teams: Access to knowledgeable support staff who can address issues promptly with on-shore support. 

• User manuals and tutorials: Detailed documentation and resources to aid in user education. 

Absolutely. A well-implemented ERP optimizes business processes, enhances compliance, and provides valuable insights through advanced analytics. This leads to improved decision-making, increased operational efficiency, and ultimately, a stronger bottom line. 

You never want to choose an ERP that demands more than it gives you. You want something that’s going to be easy and intuitive to use. Usability should be a major consideration for you as you look to choose your ERP. You can assess the user experience by: 

• Requesting demos: Participate in live demonstrations to see the system in action. 

• Conducting user trials: Involve end-users in testing to gather feedback on usability. 

• Evaluating interfaces: Review the solution to ensure the ERP has intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. You may want to have expected “superusers” within your organization participate in any demos so they can provide their input on ease of use.  

• Reviewing case studies: Look at success stories and testimonials from similar organizations. 

Not all ERPs are created equal, and many have red flags that should prohibit you from moving forward. Some common ERP challenges include: 

• High costs: ERP systems can be a significant investment. If you pick one that costs too much and doesn’t deliver value on the back end, it can be a problem.  

• Complex implementation: Transitioning to a new ERP can disrupt operations if not managed properly. 

• Customization needs: Balancing standard features with the need for custom solutions. 

• Regulatory compliance: Ensuring the ERP meets all necessary regulatory requirements. 

Assess scalability by evaluating: 

• Ability to add functionalities: Can new functionalities be added as needed? 

• Cloud capabilities: Does the ERP offer cloud solutions that scale with your business? 

• Vendor roadmap: Review the vendor’s future plans and updates to ensure long-term scalability. 

• User capacity: Determine if the ERP can easily accommodate an increasing number of users. 

Security considerations include: 

• Data encryption: Ensure sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. 

• Access controls: Implement robust access controls to limit data exposure. 

• Compliance with standards: Verify the ERP complies with relevant security standards like NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines. 

• Regular audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. 

Yes, modern ERPs are designed with compliance in mind – if you pick the right one, of course. Modernized ERPs offer features such as audit trails, compliance reporting, and automated checks against regulatory standards, making it easier to conform to both existing and potential future regulations. 

A well-designed ERP should offer flexibility and ease of implementation across various departments. Look for solutions that provide modular deployment options and robust integration capabilities to ensure smooth adoption throughout your organization. 

Critical features include: 

• Compliance management: Tools to ensure adherence to government regulations. 

• Project management: Advanced capabilities for managing large contracts. 

• Cost accounting: Support for complex cost structures and reporting. 

• Data integration: Seamless integration with existing systems. 

• Security features: Robust security protocols to protect sensitive data.