Should you do it just because you can?

Vertec’s extensive choices for customizability gives you countless opportunities to optimize your own business processes. But not every adaptation does make sense. Where are the limits? This article examines the risks of over-engineering and provides helpful guidelines to make the best use of Vertec in the future. Because sometimes less is more.

In today’s business world, companies are often faced with whether they should take advantage of every customization and enhancement available to their business software. Known for its exceptional adaptability, Vertec offers a wide range of features that can be tailored to meet users’ needs. But does it always make sense to take advantage of every technical opportunity?

Limits of customization

The flexibility of Vertec makes it possible, in addition to the Core Processes of Vertec, it is possible to map almost any business requirement. But this also brings challenges. Over-engineering can result in complex, difficult-to-maintain systems that cause high costs and long implementation times.

In addition, over-adapted systems can overwhelm users and reduce efficiency.

For example, Vertec could be expanded as a merchandise management system for the distribution of sports shoes. The typical processes of article and inventory management, price lists, purchase management, partial deliveries and dispatch could be mapped using additional classes and fields, query folders and link types and scripting. It could even be linked to a web shop. Technically very complex and doable, but Vertec is just not intended for this.

Less is sometimes more

It is crucial to find the balance between necessity and feasibility.

Companies should focus on their core functions and make only necessary adjustments to ensure usability and ease maintenance. The basis are the processes for managing contacts and companies, through project management and performance recording to invoicing. All other processes, from sales to controlling, originate and flow into this process. Any processes which are just off should be reviewed in terms of are they really necessary?

Another important aspect is the frequency with which a particular feature is needed. If a feature is used infrequently, automation is often not worthwhile. The next time you use it, you may not know how to use it, and in the worst case, you may not have the proper documentation. This leads to inefficiency and increased costs.

A funny example to illustrate

If you look at the picture, you see someone trying to wash dishes in a washing machine. A humorous example that shows how you can use a system beyond its limits just because it is theoretically possible. Similarly, business software does not require any function to be implemented just because it basically could.

Guidelines for getting the most out of Vertec

To ensure that you are using Vertec within the system boundaries, please consider the following guidelines:

• Customization should only be done within the 9 Functional Domains
• The requirements must fit into the business environment and value for money should be appropriate, particularly in relation to the size of the Vertec installation
• Maintenance and operating costs must be at a reasonable level
• Customization should be in line with the 10 points for a sustainable Vertec installation

Strategic planning

Before implementing new features, do a thorough analysis by asking yourself the following questions:

• Which processes can be standardized?
• Which customizations offer real added value?
• Which customizations bring real added value, and which ones may cause unnecessary complexity and maintenance of your Vertec system?

These questions will help you make the right decisions and get the most out of Vertec.

Conclusion

Vertec’s enormous flexibility is undoubtedly a big advantage. But companies should carefully consider what adaptations are really necessary to increase efficiency and benefit from the software’s flexibility on the long run.

For more information and examples of how to get the most out of Vertec, please read our Success Stories or perform the  Express Check .