Hi, I’m Drew, the CEO of Hahn’s Peak Consulting. We’re a Certified B Corporation® based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and we’ve spent years helping businesses grow with smart IT solutions.
From breweries to renewable energy startups, we’ve seen how the right tools can make all the difference. Plus, we’re big on sustainability and community values, so we try to lead by example. Let’s talk about why 2025 is the year your small business needs an ERP system.
The Changing Business Landscape
Do you remember when a few spreadsheets and basic accounting software could run a business? Those days feel like a lifetime ago, don’t they? Now, remote work is everywhere, supply chains are a maze, and customers expect top-notch service—and fast. Here in Colorado, where businesses like craft breweries and outdoor gear makers thrive, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just nice to have—it’s critical.
What Modern ERP Really Means for Small Business
ERPs aren’t just for huge corporations anymore. At Hahn’s Peak Consulting, we customize Oracle NetSuite for small and growing businesses. Picture an ERP system like the trail network across Colorado’s mountains—everything connects, but you can choose the path that suits your business best. An ERP pulls your operations together, giving everyone—from accounting to marketing—the same clear view of what’s happening. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
Real-World Success Stories
Here’s one I’ll never forget. A Boulder outdoor gear maker was juggling inventory between their store, website, and wholesale. They were overwhelmed. We set them up with NetSuite ERP, and boom—87% fewer stockouts. They wrapped up year-end accounting in days instead of weeks. Watching the relief on their faces was priceless.
Or there’s the Denver brewery owner I met. He was buried in spreadsheets trying to manage production schedules, ingredients, and distribution. After we rolled out a cloud-based ERP, everything changed. He could see which beers made the most money and even optimized delivery routes. He told me later it felt like someone finally gave him a map.
And then there’s the renewable energy startup in Fort Collins. They’re scaling fast with solar and wind projects, but things were slipping—deadlines, compliance, you name it. An ERP system helped them automate workflows and hit their project timelines. Within a year, their efficiency was up 35%.
Looking Ahead: 2025’s Business Challenges
2025 is right around the corner, and businesses face some big hurdles. Here’s how ERPs can help:
- Sustainable Operations: These days, everyone—customers and regulators alike—cares about sustainability. An ERP tracks your resource use and carbon footprint so you can prove you’re walking the talk.
- Labor Market Evolution: Let’s face it—hiring is tough. Automating repetitive tasks with an ERP lets your team focus on what really matters.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Supply chains have been unpredictable, to say the least. With an ERP, you’ll see real-time data on inventory and suppliers, so you’re not caught off guard.
- Data-Driven Decisions: With dashboards showing live insights, you can stop guessing and start making smarter moves for your business.
The Cloud Advantage
Cloud-based ERP systems like NetSuite are game-changers. They’re scalable, work from anywhere, and don’t require a ton of IT infrastructure. Plus, they’re greener—using the cloud means less energy consumption, which is a win for your business and the planet.
Getting Started: A Practical Approach
Thinking about implementing an ERP might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Start small and build from there. Here’s how we usually recommend rolling it out:
- Start with financials and operations.
- Add inventory management if you need it.
- Link your CRM and marketing tools.
- Expand to advanced features as your business grows.
Taking it step by step keeps things manageable and lets you see wins early on.
Making the Investment Work
Sure, an ERP is an investment. But what you get in return is incredible. Think fewer manual errors, better inventory tracking, clearer cash flow insights, and happier customers. Many businesses even discover inefficiencies they didn’t know were holding them back.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to implement an ERP system?
A: We usually get core modules running in 4-6 weeks, but the full process might take a couple of months.
Q: Will my team need a ton of training?
A: Not at all. These systems are designed to be intuitive. We’ll train your team so they feel confident right away.
Q: Can I keep some of my current software?
A: Definitely. NetSuite integrates well with tools you already love.
Q: Is ERP implementation expensive?
A: There’s an upfront cost, but most clients see ROI within a year. The savings and efficiencies make it worth every penny.
About the Author
I’m Drew Williams, founder and CEO of Hahn’s Peak Consulting. I’ve been helping businesses grow sustainably for years. Hahn’s Peak Consulting is proud to be Climate Neutral Certified and part of 1% for the Planet, supporting environmental causes worldwide.
At Hahn’s Peak Consulting, we believe every business can reach new heights. Let’s talk about how an ERP system can transform yours.
