When considering a purchase of a computer system, it is important to also consider whether there are efficiencies that will be gained by re-engineering the way business is conducted. Merely automating a mechanical process can provide benefits to an organization. However, as some have said, this is like paving cow paths. It may make the roads faster, but it does not change the route. More and more organizations are examining the processes themselves.
Automation can provide whole new solution sets.
One of the most famous examples of this sort of re-engineering is Ford Motor Company. Ford allowed its line personnel to enter purchase orders and forbade its suppliers from making partial shipments. Ford than began to pay its vendors based on Ford's records of the receipt of inventory instead of supplier-generated invoices. Ford eliminated its 600-person accounts payable department and improved both efficiency and accuracy. Needless to say, purchasing a traditional accounts payable package would not have helped Ford to re-engineer.