Distribution consultant and author Brent Grover told distributors curious about business software changes that upgrading their existing ERP systems may not always be the best option. Brent fielded questions Thursday during a live, interactive audio conference, Inside the Little Black Book of Strategic Planning for Distributors: Ask the Author.

Many distributors are multiple versions behind the current version of their business software systems, as Brent learned in a recent survey. While many distributors, he says, think it may be easier or safer to move to the current version of the software they’re already using, he’s found that it can be just as challenging to move between versions as it is to move to an entirely new program.

Upgrading existing systems may also work against strategic goals. Brent recommends that when contemplating a change, distributors consider switching to a completely different system which could, potentially, better meet the needs of the company now and in the future. Some new systems may even be able to utilize existing hardware.

Brent recommends looking at all systems available before making a decision to upgrade or change. Modern Distribution Management, the publisher of Brent’s recent book, maintains a directory of ERP, WMS, CRM and e-commerce providers as a starting point.