Fit-to-standard sounds complicated, but really it is a simple idea: Instead of using custom systems and processes, make them conform to the industry standard that everyone is using. A fit-to-standard solution is one that solves the problem in a standard way.
One example of a fit-to-standard solution is Apple’s address book. When I store contacts in my phone’s address book, I am using a standard solution that is widely used by others. I adjust the data I collect to match what Apple’s address book allows, and in return, it syncs with my email client, automatically connects with my other devices, and often can be used with other apps on my phone.
Another example is using standard invoicing processes in an enterprise resource planning solution (ERP). A fit-to-standard solution for invoicing relies on the industry standard invoicing processes and workflows within an ERP system instead of using invoicing processes that are atypical and require custom code.
There are many reasons why a business should choose fit-to-standard solutions instead of custom solutions, especially when it comes to ERP and backend processes.
1. Faster Rollout. When a business uses a fit-to-standard solution, they are able to use templates, functions, and workflows that are already built into the solution. Instead of developing something custom and figuring out how to make it work within the system, fit-to-standard solutions are ready to go and just require configuration. This speeds up implementation times significantly and reduces headaches.
2. Adoption of Best Practices. Everyone thinks that their custom solution makes sense, but there is a reason that standard solutions are standard: because they work and make sense. So a fit-to-standard solution embodies the best practices for a given system or process, helping a business accomplish a goal in the way that generally makes the most sense. Businesses that use a fit-to-standard solution are implicitly adopting best-practice solutions to common problems, which usually saves time and money in the end.
3. Reduced Testing. Fit-to-standard solutions are easy to test because they are known processes and workflows that already have been tested and refined. With a custom solution, a business has to check solution mechanics as well as configuration. With a fit-to-standard solution, a business just needs to check how they configured it. The overall efficacy of a fit-to-standard solution already is known and tested, which saves time.
4. Better Support. Standard solutions are known solutions that are widely used. This means that when there are problems, a business can more easily get help from a vendor, support partner, or community forum because the solution is already understood and used by others. Lack of support is one reason that custom solutions should be kept to a minimum and fit-to-standard solutions used instead.
5. Easier Upgrades. Solution upgrades are built on what came before. When a business uses a fit-to-standard solution approach, upgrades become easier because there’s a clear migration path from the old standard to the new. Custom solutions, on the other hand, often must adjust with each upgrade to stay relevant. Dealing with upgrades is a constant headache for custom solutions that can be completely avoided when a fit-to-standards approach is used.
6. Quick User Adoption. Every new solution requires some training. But when a business uses standard processes and solutions as is done with a fit-to-standard approach, the learning curve often is smaller because some employees will already be familiar with the methods and processes of these standard solutions.
How do we help businesses roll out a new ERP solution on time and under budget while others cannot? Because we take a fit-to-standard solution approach to ERP. We offer prepackaged ERP solutions that come preconfigured for industry best practices, and we help businesses adapt their processes to fit within these industry-standard solutions and best practices.
A business should be innovating around its products and services, not how it handles billing and accounts payable.
Learn more about this fit-to-standard solution approach to ERP, or get your specific questions answered by contacting one of our experienced ERP consultants by calling (801) 642-0123 or by writing us at info@nbs-us.com.