Reimagine ERP with preconfigured solutions built to scale
Currently, speed, efficiency, and adaptability are highly sought after by enterprises. But many businesses face a critical question: How can we implement ERP systems faster, with less risk and lower costs? The answer lies in pre-configured ERP solutions, also referred to as out-of-the-box ERPs. These solutions offer a strategic advantage for organizations aiming to streamline operations, reduce implementation risk, and unlock faster time to value, without the cost and complexity of traditional ERP deployments.
This blog explores the benefits of pre-configured ERP systems, discusses the relevance to various industries, compares custom and hybrid ERP models to pre-configured models, and highlights Fortude’s industry-focused accelerators as practical examples of how pre-configuration works in real-world scenarios.
Why pre-configured ERP is gaining ground
1. Faster time to value
Traditional ERP implementations can stretch for months, if not years, because configuring or customizing every module is very time consuming. Whereas, pre-configured ERPs come with industry-specific best practices and workflows already embedded. This allows organizations to significantly accelerate implementation timelines, often achieving value within 6 to 9 months instead of the typical 12 to 18.
2. Reduced costs and implementation risk
ERP projects are known to be costly and complex. By reducing the need for deep customization, pre-configured ERP solutions lower consulting and development costs. The shorter implementation cycle also means fewer resource hours and less risk exposure, especially for companies operating in fast moving sectors.
3. Streamlined upgrades and maintenance
With fewer custom components, organizations benefit from easier upgrades and smoother patches. Pre-configured systems are built to align with regular vendor updates (such as Infor’s monthly CloudSuite releases). This reduces technical debt and long-term maintenance burdens.
Industry relevance: When pre-configured ERP makes the most sense
Pre-configured ERP solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all, they are most valuable when they are customized to align with the unique workflows and compliance requirements of specific industries. Let’s look at how that plays out in key sectors:
Fashion: Fashion companies deal with seasonal cycles, complex SKUs, and evolving consumer trends. A pre-configured ERP designed for this industry includes modules for Product Lifecycle Management, costing, inventory optimization, and replenishment, all essential to operational efficiency.
Food & beverage, animal feed, and aquafeed: These industries require traceability, batch tracking, and compliance with safety regulations. A pre-configured ERP enables faster alignment with regulatory requirements and integrates seamlessly with shop floor systems.
Manufacturing and distribution: From production planning to order fulfillment, these sectors benefit from standard Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and logistics functionalities that don’t need to be reinvented.
Fortude accelerators: Real-world examples of pre-configured ERPs in action
At Fortude, we’ve taken the concept of pre-configuration further by developing accelerators tailored for niche verticals, Ready2Wear and Ready2Feed.
Ready2Wear: For fashion-forward businesses
Ready2Wear is a pre-configured industry solution built on Infor’s specialized solution for the wholesale & distribution fashion industries. It addresses the specific needs of small to medium-sized fashion businesses by offering pre-built modules covering all the essential business processes as well as add-on modules for Product Lifecycle Management, a Mobile Warehousing Solution and a Fashion Specific Analytics solution, pre-built integrations for industry leading e-commerce solutions, and a focused implementation process including detailed business scenarios, process maps and data migration templates. The result? Fashion brands benefit from pre-defined methodologies tailored to their industry, streamlined implementations that keep technology investments on budget and on time, scalable solutions, and expert support from seasoned Infor CloudSuite specialists, ready to guide you every step of the way. Read more in our blog on finding the right ERP for fashion brands.
Ready2Feed: Tailored for the animal feed and aquafeed industries
Similarly, our Ready2Feed accelerator streamlines ERP implementation for animal feed and aqua feed companies. Built on Infor CloudSuite, it comes with industry-ready components including pre-built Integrations for:
- Feed formulation software
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- Weighbridge systems
With Ready2Feed, producers reduce setup time and enhance visibility from ingredient sourcing to finished product. These accelerators are more than templates, they are strategic enablers that fast-track digital transformation while keeping industry-specific complexity under control.
Comparing ERP models: Custom vs hybrid vs pre-configured
| Model | Speed | Cost | Flexibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom | Slow | High | High | High |
| Hybrid | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Pre-Configured | Fast | Low | Moderate | Low (Because it is tried and tested) |
Pre-configured ERP makes the most sense for organizations that want to adopt best practices quickly without reinventing every process. Hybrid models still have their place, especially where some customization is essential, but often, starting with a pre-configured base provides the best of both worlds.
Why Fortude?
Implementing an ERP is about more than just technology. Fortude brings:
- Deep domain expertise in Infor CloudSuite consulting
- Accelerators tailored for real-world impact
- End-to-end services including advisory, implementation, and managed support
Out-of-the-box ERP systems are more than a trend, they’re a smarter way forward for companies that want to scale fast and operate efficiently. Whether you’re managing apparel cycles or animal nutrition formulas, Fortude’s pre-configured accelerators like Ready2Wear and Ready2Feed demonstrate how ERP can be tailored, scalable, and quick.
Ready to see how fast ERP transformation can be?
Book a consultation with Fortude and build smarter.FAQs
An out-of-the-box ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is a pre-configured software solution designed with built-in features, workflows, and best practices tailored for specific industries. These solutions are developed based on extensive industry research and real-world business requirements, making them ready for rapid implementation with minimal setup. Organizations can deploy the system faster, reduce implementation risks, and start seeing value more quickly compared to traditional, fully custom ERP deployments.
Yes, pre-configured ERPs are customizable to a certain extent. While they come with standardized settings and process flows, they can also offer flexibility for businesses to tailor specific components to suit their unique requirements. The goal is to strike a balance between standardization and personalization to support business goals effectively.
Pre-configured ERP solutions are particularly beneficial for organizations in industries where operational processes are relatively standardized and regulated. Sectors such as fashion and apparel, food and beverage production, manufacturing, and animal feed production often follow well-defined workflows that align well with the capabilities of a pre-configured ERP. For these industries, adopting an out-of-the-box solution leads to faster implementation, reduced disruption, and a quicker return on investment (ROI).
After the ERP system goes live, ongoing support and optimization become crucial to ensure it continues to deliver business value. Fortude provides comprehensive post-go-live services through its managed services offering. It ensures systems are maintained, optimized and aligned with business growth to help organizations maximize the use of their ERP investment. By acting as a long-term partner, Fortude helps companies stay agile and competitive in a constantly changing market environment.
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