It’s not a secret that running a small business takes a lot of hard work and dedication. During the start up phase of any business, business owners need to wear many hats; sometimes they need to act as expert marketers, accountants, sales professionals and even technicians depending on their business needs.

Although wearing many hats might be necessary when running a small business, I have noticed that business owners tend to spend too much time dealing with everyday operational details, and forget to deal with what really matters: driving their business forward.

As your business starts to grow, you might not be able to take care of all business activities that take place in your company, which is why it is important to use an automated system that allows you to manage your business efficiently and effectively.

Technology leaders like SAP provide integrated software solutions that have been developed specifically for the needs and budget of small and midsize enterprises. Solutions like SAP Business One allow you to integrate all management functions, including financials, sales, customers, inventory and operations.

SAP Business One gives you access to a single version of the truth, alerts and controls so you can monitor all activities and focus on those that really matter. Such automated solutions help you build strong business foundations to ensure that your business will remain successful in the longer term.

Everybody’s looking for an edge—probably because they’re so hard to come by. In today’s business environment, it can be challenging to find a competitive advantage. When you do, you can bet it won’t last long. You have to remain vigilant, therefore, always keeping an eye on the market and your business for the opportunities that can propel your organization to the front of the pack. To do this, you need an intimate familiarity with every corner of your company: this starts with your ERP solution.

ERP has typically been a difficult proposition for small and mid-sized companies. The cost and complexity are high—both up front and on an ongoing basis. Thus, an elevated hurdle rate makes target ROI levels tough to attain. Bring the hard- and soft-dollar costs down, though, and it becomes a powerful tool for fueling profitable growth.

With a robust ERP solution, such as SAP Business One, small and mid-sized companies can automate business processes, monitor operations, and optimize their financial supply chains—all of which contributes to wider margins, supports cost savings, and facilitates strategy execution. Further, the data collected enables carful and continual analysis based on the specifics of your company. You can learn more about what works and where your company could improve in order to gain additional advantages.

SAP Business One is designed for small and mid-sized businesses, offering important, integrated ERP functionality without the attendant cost and complexity. With implementation taking as little as six weeks, it’s possible to accelerate savings and returns while minimizing business disruption. In the end, you get a framework for maintaining a competitive advantage through continual improvement … without having to invest disproportionately or set unrealistic ROI objectives.

Since 2010 was officially the end of the great recession, most of us are returning to our routines with high expectations, new bucket lists and action plans to develop throughout 2011.

At the beginning of each year, small and mid size businesses have plans to increase their revenue, generate employment, improve customer service, lower costs, gain new clients, and become more competitive. After a few difficult years, most of us have our eyes on 2011, but if we want to make our goals a reality, we need to look back and re-evaluate our business operations, centralize information and embrace change.

Having critical business data stored under various systems, and managing vital business processes manually is one of the biggest mistakes SMEs make. When daily business processes are not disciplined and automated, it is hard to provide good customer service, close books, take smart and timely decisions, control inventory, and other important functions.

In order to build strong foundations for future success, migrating to an ERP solution should be the top priority in your business bucket list. A flexible ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system helps you improve operational efficiency by seamlessly integrating your entire business across financials, sales, customer service and operations.

Most mid and small size businesses still live under the traditional perception that ERP is too complicated and expensive, and stick to conservative methods that impact their profitability, productivity and ability to respond to competitive pressure. The truth is that ERP solutions like SAP Business One have been designed to fortify your business and to help you turn your goals into realities. Don’t think of ERP as a costly expense, think of it as an investment that is guaranteed to help you grow your business and increase your profit.