Future-proof your business with K8

In our competitive, digital world, businesses must react fast to new challenges and opportunities. That's why future-proofed business systems are more critical than ever because they dramatically affect an organisation's long-term success and prosperity.

Future-proofed business systems contain many innovations that have far-reaching benefits for enterprises. Faster and more accurate sales processing systems are just the start. For example, companies can synchronise and streamline all aspects of their business so all departments work with one instant version of the truth. 

In addition to improved capability, a future-proofed system protects a business from the shock of unexpected trends and events. Companies can make data-driven decisions based on complete stock and supply chain visibility and fully integrate with emerging technologies to formulate joined-up responses and solutions.

Equally, suppose that a business embarking on a new system project doesn't build safeguards for future-proofing. In that case, the overall likelihood is that the endeavour will fail when circumstances change or there's an update in technology. And that isn't likely to be long in today's challenging and fast-paced digital marketplace. 

Review your business requirements carefully

Choosing a new system, whether initiated by unique business needs, supplier support issues or technology-driven factors, is undoubtedly a process that takes time and effort. With the need for a system delivering the most long-term benefit potential, nothing should be left to chance when reviewing alternative systems.

Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) believes it's essential to evaluate business requirements in detail fully. David Liddle, Research and Development President for KCS, says, 'Comparing existing systems with immediate and short-term needs is one thing, but looking to the future and seriously considering how a business could accommodate longer-term strategies is essential. Companies should view all areas like sales, stock and warehouse, CRM, ecommerce, BI, and management information requirements with flexibility, growth and technology progression in mind.'

Other fundamentals to check include ensuring that a proposed system can accommodate a variety of mobile and hand-held devices. Moreover, secure, browser-based access will feature even more as a standard facility because cloud-based, hosted environments allow for a quicker and more straightforward expansion should that company need to scale.

Think ahead for the long term

Positioned at the cross-over point between product and partner is a system's Product Development Roadmap. This plan is an IT company's statement of long-term investment - a clear, lasting commitment to serving its customers and industry sectors. If such a roadmap lacks cohesion, alarm bells should start ringing.

KCS is proud of its R&D track record and the depth and breadth of new applications. Furthermore, we continually look to improve our product functionality and capabilities each year.

In the past two years alone, KCS has invested over 25,000 person-days in development; work that touches virtually every area of the K8 system. 'We are also continuing to strengthen the expertise and experience of the R&D team by recruiting programmers and analysts with the latest skillsets,' adds David.

A combination of new fresh ideas and experience delivers excellent results.

David Liddle, Research and Development President for KCS

KCS has an enduring track record of working with new and evolving technologies. This continuous process is controlled and fully managed using best practices and recognised R&D standards. In principle, the company changes products when there are clear business benefits.

With systems becoming more complex and capable than ever, KCS also devotes more resources, time and effort to looking after its customers.

Ian Bendelow, CEO of KCS, said, 'Helping our customers to progress their systems with new releases and introducing new applications is of paramount importance to us. It's in everyone's interest for our customers to obtain the maximum long-term value from their systems.'

People are important

Suppose you want the best long-term systems partner. In that case, its people are also significant because they represent the company at all levels. A company's past track record indicates future performance, which is undoubtedly true for KCS. Matched by our commitment to staff training and personal development, we work hard to be the winning team by your side. 

'Undoubtedly, our success has only been possible because of our highly experienced, customer-focused staff,' Ian explains. 'Across every department, our people are the company's backbone, many of whom have been with us for a long time and know our customers well.'

'Everyone at KCS is ready to go the extra mile to serve our customers and do so to the best of their abilities. Our investment in products and services dovetails with the way we ensure our employees have the skills and resources they need for the future.' In addition, KCS believes it's vital to start building a trusted relationship with an open two-way communications channel from the start.