How ERP Systems Can Sell Themselves: Performance Metrics That Prove Their Value

The Problem: Why ERP Companies Lose Clients by Not Tracking Efficiency

I’ve noticed a recurring issue among many tech companies, especially in the ERP space: they build powerful products, automate complex processes, yet their clients don’t fully grasp the tangible benefits. As a result, selling the system becomes harder and more time-consuming, leading to a vicious cycle:

• To attract more clients, you need resources.
• To have resources, you need more revenue.
• To generate more revenue, you need more clients.

I understand this struggle firsthand. My business operates in a different sector, but the core challenge remains the same:

How do you convince a client that your product truly delivers value?

How does your product impact the client’s business?

ERP companies can’t simply say, "Our product is great"—they need hard data, proof that clients can see and understand without further explanation.

What Can Be Measured?

Here are key performance indicators (KPIs) that can demonstrate the value of an ERP system:

✅ Average process completion time (e.g., purchase order processing, contract approval)

✅ Time spent by employees on routine tasks (before and after ERP implementation)

✅ Onboarding speed for new employees

✅ Number of actions required to complete a task (fewer clicks = better UX)

✅ Reduction in errors and rework

If an ERP company can show its clients that their processes are now 30% faster or that employees spend 40% less time on manual work, that becomes a powerful sales argument.

How to Collect Data

The key is simplicity. Analytics should function automatically without requiring extra effort from users. Here are some ways to gather insights:

🔹 Integration with Hotjar, FullStory, or Pendo — visualizing user interactions, identifying UX bottlenecks.

🔹 Google Analytics / Amplitude — tracking in-system behavior.

🔹 Built-in ERP logging and event tracking — automatically recording clicks, time spent, and process speed.

🔹 Short in-app surveys (e.g., after completing a task) to gather qualitative feedback.

How to Use This Data for Sales

Once the data is collected, it needs to be presented effectively to clients:

📊 Dashboards within the system featuring key performance metrics — allowing clients to see productivity gains firsthand.

📄 Automated reports via PDF or email — providing regular performance updates.

🎯 Before-and-after comparisons — a crucial tool for sales and marketing.

ERP companies shouldn’t just sell "automation"—they should provide concrete metrics, such as: "Your contract approval process now takes 2 days instead of 5." These insights can be incorporated into case studies, landing pages, and sales presentations.

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Conclusion: ERP Must Prove Its Value with Data

I understand how tough it is to break the cycle of needing more clients while lacking the resources to attract them. The only way to tackle this is strategically—by leveraging data analytics to showcase ERP’s value.

If your ERP system isn’t demonstrating clear ROI to clients, you’re leaving money on the table. Implementing analytics and visualization isn’t just a "nice-to-have"—it’s a must for growth and scalability.

👉 How do you measure your ERP system’s efficiency?