Understanding ERP Customization: Key Concepts and Considerations

Have you ever felt like your ERP system is more of a burden than a solution? You're not alone. Many businesses implement ERP solutions expecting to simplify their operations, but instead, they end up tangled in workarounds and frustration. A staggering 93% of ERP implementations in Indian industries face usability, functionality, and efficiency challenges. Instead of improving processes, these systems often cause more headaches.

This issue is even more pronounced for manufacturers, especially in industries with complex workflows, like corrugation. Flexibility in production, material handling, and subcontracting is critical, yet many standard ERP systems can't keep up. So, businesses are left to juggle manual workarounds, causing delays, inefficiencies, and lost productivity.

But what if you could turn things around? ERP customization can be the key to solving these issues. Instead of trying to fit your unique processes into a rigid system, you can customize your ERP to match the way you work truly. In this blog, we'll explore why customization is so important, its benefits, the challenges to consider, best practices to follow, and how to keep costs in check for a successful ERP implementation. Let’s get into the details and see how you can make your ERP system work for you, not against you.

What is ERP Customization?

ERP customization is the process of modifying an ERP system to align with a business’s specific needs. Instead of using the system as it comes, companies tweak features, workflows, and integrations to ensure it supports their operations efficiently. This can range from adding new fields in reports to developing entirely new modules that cater to unique business requirements.

ERP Customization Vs. Standard ERP Systems

Most out-of-the-box ERP systems are built to appeal to a wide range of industries. That sounds convenient, until you hit a wall trying to manage your production batches, subcontracting cycles, or dispatch planning. Standard modules may tick some boxes, but they often miss the nuances that matter. Here’s a more practical look at how customized ERP stacks up against standard systems:

Factor	Standard ERP Systems	Customized ERP
Operational Fit	Comes with fixed workflows that may not match how your teams actually work	Configured around your existing workflows, from procurement to dispatch
Production Handling	Generic production modules; limited flexibility for multi-stage or semi-automatic setups	Handles custom BOMs, wastage, run-time tracking, and production planning specific to your processes
Inventory Control	Basic stock-level tracking without process integration	Real-time tracking with batch/lot-level control, raw material linkage, and consumption visibility
Subcontracting	Often treated as a workaround or manual entry	Built-in subcontracting flow with gate pass, inventory sync, and job work tracking
User Experience	Steep learning curve due to irrelevant fields or steps	Cleaner interface where your team sees only what they need, nothing more.
Change Management	Forces you to modify your process to suit the software	The software adapts to your process, reducing disruption and training effort

Recognizing the differences between standard and customized ERP systems shows why a generic solution may not fully meet a business's specific needs. Customizing an ERP system enables businesses to adapt it to their unique processes and challenges, turning it from a one-size-fits-all solution into a powerful, business-specific tool.

Essential ERP Customizations to Align with Business Needs

ERP customization isn't just about adding extra features; it's about aligning the software with how your business actually runs. Here are some of the most common customization areas companies focus on to make their ERP systems more effective:

1. Process Alignment & Workflow Optimization

Businesses often adjust ERP workflows to better match their internal processes. This helps reduce manual work, cut down redundancies, and ensure smoother operations from end to end.

2. Custom Reports and Business Intelligence Dashboards

Standard reports don’t always show the metrics that matter. That’s why many teams choose to build custom dashboards and reports that surface actionable insights, support real-time decision-making, and match leadership’s KPIs.

3. System Integrations with External Tools

Whether it’s syncing with a CRM, payment gateway, or third-party logistics platform, businesses frequently customize their ERP to connect seamlessly with the other systems they rely on. This keeps data accurate and minimizes double entry.

4. Built-In Compliance Features

Industries like pharma, food processing, and finance need to follow strict regulatory protocols. ERP customizations can help by automating audit trails, generating mandatory reports, and flagging non-compliance risks before they become a problem.

5. Customer Portals with Smart Features

For companies dealing with high customer interaction, personalized self-service portals can be a significant advantage. These can be built to show account details, previous orders, pricing based on customer type, and even support tickets.

6. Smarter Inventory Management

Custom inventory rules can help businesses maintain ideal stock levels, automate purchase triggers, track serial or batch numbers, and cut losses from overstocking or stockouts.

As businesses look to fine-tune their ERP systems, the focus areas for customization become clearer. It’s not just about adding features; it’s about making the system work for the daily needs and challenges that companies face. With that in mind, let’s understand why businesses need to move beyond off-the-shelf ERP systems and invest in customization to maximize their operational potential.

Why Do Businesses Need ERP Customization?

No two businesses operate the same way, yet standard ERP systems are built with a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s where the problem begins.

Companies invest in ERP solutions expecting efficiency, but without customization, they often face rigid workflows, redundant tasks, and software limitations that slow them down instead of helping them grow.

Here’s why businesses can’t afford to settle for an off-the-shelf ERP:

1. Industry-Specific Needs Can’t Be Ignored

A manufacturer tracking raw materials, machine downtime, and production cycles needs a completely different system than a hospital managing patient records, compliance, and insurance claims.

Yet, standard ERP systems try to cater to both with the same pre-built modules. The result? Businesses are forced to compromise on critical workflows, leading to inefficiencies and workarounds that defeat the purpose of having an ERP in the first place.

2. Compliance Isn't Optional

Governments and regulatory bodies keep updating tax laws, data protection rules, and industry standards. If your ERP isn’t customized to handle GST compliance in India, HIPAA regulations in healthcare, or IFRS accounting standards, you risk penalties, audit failures, or worse, losing customer trust.

3. Legacy Systems Aren’t Going Anywhere (Yet)

Many businesses still rely on older systems, whether it's a decade-old accounting software, an in-house production management tool, or a supplier database built on spreadsheets. A generic ERP doesn’t automatically sync with these systems, creating silos and forcing employees to waste time on manual data transfers.

Customizing ERP software ensures seamless integration with legacy tools, keeping all systems connected without disrupting daily operations.

4. Standard Workflows Don't Match Every Business

What happens when an ERP forces your team to click through five unnecessary steps just to create an invoice? Employees either waste time or find shortcuts that compromise data accuracy.

Custom workflows eliminate these bottlenecks. Whether it’s automating approval processes, setting up multi-level pricing structures, or configuring role-based access, customization ensures that ERP works for your business.

5. Poor Usability Leads to Low Employee Adoption

An ERP system is only as good as its users. If employees find it confusing, counterintuitive, or overloaded with unnecessary features, they’ll resist using it, leading to errors, inefficiencies, and underutilization.

Customization allows businesses to simplify the user interface, automate repetitive tasks, and personalize dashboards to boost productivity. When employees spend less time figuring out software and more time focusing on their work, efficiency naturally improves.

Now that we’ve discussed why businesses need ERP customization, let’s take a closer look at the benefits it brings. Beyond just fixing inefficiencies, a well-customized ERP can become an effective solution that enhances growth, agility, and long-term success.

What are the Benefits of ERP Customization?

Customizing an ERP system goes beyond just making small tweaks. It ensures the software works for your business instead of forcing your business to adjust to the software. From automating tedious tasks to improving decision-making and scalability, ERP customization helps companies maximize efficiency and stay competitive. Let’s look at the key benefits of customizing your ERP to fit your operations.

1. Increased Efficiency

A standard ERP system might require employees to go through unnecessary steps to complete simple tasks, slowing down operations. Customization allows businesses to automate repetitive processes, eliminate redundancies, and streamline workflows. Whether it’s auto-generating invoices, automating approval processes, or integrating real-time inventory tracking, a well-optimized ERP reduces manual effort and boosts overall productivity.

2. Better Decision-Making with Actionable Insights

ERP systems store a vast amount of business data, but not all of them present it in a way that’s useful for decision-makers. Custom reports, dashboards, and analytics tools ensure that the right stakeholders have access to the information they need, whether it’s sales trends, production bottlenecks, or financial forecasts. Instead of wading through generic reports, businesses get real-time insights tailored to their key performance indicators.

3. Scalability: An ERP That Grows with Your Business

A business that expands into new markets, adds new product lines, or scales production needs an ERP that adapts to it. Off-the-shelf ERP systems often struggle to adapt to growing complexities, forcing businesses to invest in new software down the line. Customization ensures the ERP remains relevant, whether it's accommodating new regulatory requirements, integrating with new technologies, or handling increased data loads.

4. Cost Savings in the Long Run

While customization may seem like an additional expense upfront, it significantly reduces costs over time. A system designed for your specific needs eliminates the reliance on multiple third-party applications, prevents costly workarounds, and reduces inefficiencies that drain resources. Plus, with fewer manual interventions and reduced errors, businesses save both time and money.

5. Higher Employee Adoption and Usability

An ERP system is only effective if employees actually use it. When an ERP forces teams into rigid workflows that don’t align with their daily tasks, resistance builds up. Customization makes the system more intuitive, whether it’s simplifying the user interface, automating frequent actions, or providing role-specific dashboards. A system that aligns with how employees work results in faster adoption and fewer mistakes.

6. Competitive Advantage

A well-customized ERP doesn’t just improve internal operations, it gives you an edge over competitors still struggling with rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions. Faster response times, improved customer service, real-time decision-making, and operational efficiency set customized ERP users apart from those still dealing with system limitations.

While ERP customization brings immense benefits, it’s not without its challenges. Understanding these challenges upfront helps in making informed decisions and avoiding common pitfalls.

Common Challenges in ERP Customization

While ERP customization offers significant advantages, it’s not without its challenges. Businesses must carefully assess the risks and complexities involved to ensure that customization enhances efficiency rather than creating new obstacles. Here’s a list of challenges businesses often face when customizing their ERP systems.

1. High Costs & Extended Timelines

Customization isn't just about flipping a few settings; it often involves complex development work, testing, and user training. If not planned properly, costs can spiral, and implementation can drag on for months. Businesses need to balance their customization needs with available resources to ensure they get maximum ROI without unnecessary expenses.

2. Compatibility Issues: Will It Work with Future Updates?

ERP vendors regularly release updates and security patches. But customized features don’t always play well with these updates, leading to system crashes or requiring rework. Businesses must ensure that customizations align with the ERP’s long-term roadmap to prevent unexpected disruptions.

3. Over-Customization Risks

While customization makes an ERP more efficient, excessive modifications can create complications. Over-customized systems can become difficult to manage, leading to slower performance, higher maintenance costs, and challenges in onboarding new employees. Striking the right balance is key; customize only what’s necessary to improve workflows without overcomplicating the system.

4. Lack of Technical Expertise

Many businesses lack the in-house expertise to handle ERP customization effectively. Choosing the wrong implementation partner can result in a system that’s unstable, inefficient, or not aligned with business needs. Working with experienced consultants and ERP specialists is essential to ensure a smooth and successful customization process.

5. Data Migration & Integration Issues

Migrating data from legacy systems or integrating with third-party applications can be challenging. Poorly planned data transfers can lead to inconsistencies, lost information, or integration failures. A structured approach to data migration, along with rigorous testing, ensures that customized ERP systems work reliably with existing tools and databases.

SB Infotech stands out where most ERP partners struggle. With deep industry know-how, reliable add-ons like CorrEx, and a proven track record in customization, we turn complex ERP challenges into business wins.

Many businesses, after facing challenges with ERP customization, start questioning whether they need full-scale modifications or if simple tweaks will do the job. This brings us to an important distinction. Should you configure your ERP or customize it? Understanding the difference can help you make smarter decisions without overcomplicating your system.

ERP Customization vs. ERP Configuration

When we need to adapt our ERP system, we typically choose between configuration and customization, depending on our business goals and internal processes. While both help customize the system to fit operational needs, they differ significantly in complexity, cost, and long-term impact. Understanding when to configure and when to customize is key to optimizing your ERP investment. Here’s a breakdown of both approaches to help you decide which one suits your business best:

Aspect	ERP Configuration	ERP Customization
Definition	Adjusting built-in settings to match business needs.	Modifying the ERP’s core code or adding new functionalities.
Examples	Setting tax rules, user roles, and currency preferences.	Developing new modules, integrating third-party apps.
Complexity	Low – Uses existing system capabilities.	High – Requires coding and system modifications.
Implementation Time	Faster, as it doesn’t involve coding changes.	Takes longer due to development and testing.
Cost	Lower, since it uses standard features.	Higher, due to development, testing, and maintenance.
Impact on Updates	Updates remain seamless, as no code is changed.	Custom changes may require rework after updates.
Best For	Businesses needing minor adjustments to existing features.	Companies with unique workflows that standard ERP can’t support.

After understanding the difference between ERP configuration and customization, the next step is ensuring that any modifications you make are well-planned and effective. Poorly executed customizations can lead to costly setbacks, while a strategic approach can maximize the benefits of your ERP system.

7 Steps to Implement ERP Customization Successfully

Customizing an ERP system isn’t just about making changes; it’s about ensuring those changes drive efficiency and long-term business growth. Here’s how to approach ERP customization the right way:

Conduct a Discovery & Needs Assessment

Begin with a detailed analysis of your current workflows, systems, and business challenges. Identify what your ERP lacks and what you need it to do better. This step should involve key stakeholders from different departments to ensure that all operational gaps are covered.

Define Customization Scope & Objectives

Once the needs are clear, set specific goals for the customization. Decide which modules or features need to be modified or added, and ensure these align with long-term business priorities. Documenting these requirements early avoids ambiguity and keeps the project on track.

Choose the Right ERP Platform & Customization Partner

Not all ERP systems are equally customizable. Platforms like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offer flexibility for modifications. Alongside this, choosing a reliable implementation partner ensures your customization is built on best practices, not shortcuts.

Develop & Configure the Custom Features

This is the execution phase where your development team or ERP partner writes code, configures workflows, and integrates custom modules into the system. Maintaining clean, scalable code and thorough documentation is critical to avoid future compatibility issues.

Test Rigorously with Real Business Scenarios

Before rolling out, conduct multiple rounds of testing — functional testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT). Simulate real use cases to check for bugs, broken workflows, or performance issues. It’s better to find flaws now than post-launch.

Train Teams & Prepare for Change Management

No ERP customization succeeds without user adoption. Offer role-specific training to employees so they understand how to use the new features efficiently. Equip teams with manuals, walkthroughs, and support channels to ease the transition.

Go Live & Monitor Performance Continuously

After deployment, monitor system performance closely. Track how the customizations are impacting business workflows, productivity, and user satisfaction. Be ready to make quick adjustments and schedule periodic reviews to ensure the ERP evolves with your business needs.

Successfully implementing ERP customization is only half the journey. To make those changes sustainable and valuable in the long run, businesses must also follow best practices that ensure system stability, user adoption, and future scalability.

Best Practices for ERP Customization

Customizing an ERP isn’t just about making changes; it’s about making the right changes that enhance efficiency, scalability, and usability without compromising system stability. Here’s how businesses can approach ERP customization wisely:

Start with a Clear Business Case: Before making any changes, define what you’re trying to solve. Are you eliminating inefficiencies, improving reporting, or integrating legacy systems? A well-defined goal ensures that every customization adds real value.
Prioritize Customizations That Deliver Maximum ROI: Not all modifications are worth the effort. Focus on changes that improve productivity, reduce manual work, or enhance decision-making. Avoid unnecessary tweaks that add complexity without tangible benefits.
Ensure Compatibility with Future ERP Updates: ERP vendors frequently release updates with security patches and new features. Over-customization can make upgrades difficult or require additional rework. Keep your modifications flexible and aligned with the ERP’s update roadmap.
Work with an Experienced ERP Partner: A knowledgeable ERP implementation partner like SB InfoTech can help you identify which customizations are necessary and which can be handled through configuration. Their expertise ensures that modifications are stable, scalable, and cost-effective.
Involve End-Users in the Customization Process: Employees who use the ERP daily should have a say in what changes are made. Gathering their feedback helps create an intuitive system that improves adoption and minimizes resistance.
Test Rigorously Before Deployment: Customizations should go through extensive testing to ensure they work as intended. Identify potential issues, fix bugs, and validate performance before rolling out changes across the organization.
Maintain Proper Documentation for Future Maintenance: Customizations may require adjustments over time. Keeping detailed documentation of what was changed, why, and how it works helps future teams troubleshoot issues and make further improvements without starting from scratch.

Before moving forward with customization, it’s important to decide on the right approach. Should you rely on your internal team, bring in external experts, or use a mix of both? Making the right choice can save time, money, and headaches down the line.

Choosing the Right ERP Customization Strategy

Businesses must evaluate whether to rely on in-house expertise, outsource to ERP specialists, or adopt a hybrid model that balances both. Each approach has its advantages and risks, and selecting the right strategy is essential to ensuring a smooth, scalable ERP system. Here's an overview of different ERP customization strategies and how to determine the best fit for your business.

In-House Customization

Works best for companies with a skilled IT team that understands both ERP systems and business operations
Provides full control over customization, allowing for quick modifications and adjustments.
Can be cost-effective in the long run, but requires upfront investment in hiring and training developers.

Outsourcing to ERP Consultants

Ideal for businesses that lack an in-house development team or require complex ERP modifications.
ERP consultants bring specialized knowledge, ensuring changes align with best practices and system updates.
Helps businesses avoid costly mistakes and compatibility issues in the long run. Investing in ERP customization is a strategic move, but without a clear understanding of costs, businesses risk overspending or underestimating the resources required. Let’s break down the key cost factors and how to budget effectively.

Hybrid Approach: A Balanced Solution

Best for businesses that want to retain some internal control while leveraging external expertise for advanced customization.
Reduces long-term dependency on third-party vendors while ensuring customizations are done correctly.
Allows businesses to handle minor tweaks internally while outsourcing complex modifications.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Customization Strategy

Selecting the right ERP customization strategy is crucial to ensuring that your system aligns with your business processes without creating unnecessary complexity or long-term maintenance issues. Here’s a look at the key factors businesses should evaluate before finalizing their ERP customization strategy.

Cost: In-house customization requires investment in training and salaries, while outsourcing involves service fees.
Expertise: Internal teams may require time to gain ERP-specific knowledge, while consultants bring ready expertise.
Scalability: The chosen strategy should support business growth without causing compatibility issues.
Maintenance: Consider who will maintain and troubleshoot custom features in the long run.

Investing in ERP customization is a strategic move, but without a clear understanding of costs, businesses risk overspending or underestimating the resources required. Let’s break down the key cost factors and how to budget effectively.

Costs of ERP Customization

Customizing an ERP system isn’t just about enhancing functionality; it’s an investment that needs careful planning. Costs can vary significantly based on the scope of changes, the complexity of integrations, and the expertise required.

Factors Affecting ERP Customization Costs

The cost of ERP customization depends on various factors, including the depth of modifications, integration needs, and development approach. Overlooking these aspects can lead to unexpected expenses and implementation delays. Here’s an overview of the key factors that impact ERP customization costs:

Type and Complexity of Customization: Minor changes, like adding new fields or automating a simple workflow, cost significantly less than deep system modifications that alter core ERP functionalities. The more complex the customization, the higher the development time and expense.

Number of Integrations Required: Businesses rarely operate with just one system. If your ERP needs to integrate with legacy software, third-party applications, or industry-specific tools, additional development efforts will increase the cost.

In-House Development vs. Outsourcing:
- In-house customization provides greater control but requires a skilled team with deep ERP expertise, which can be expensive to maintain.
- Outsourcing to ERP consultants ensures specialized knowledge and faster implementation, but may lead to higher upfront costs.

Ongoing Maintenance & Support: Custom features may require periodic updates, security patches, and performance optimizations. Ignoring post-implementation costs can lead to unexpected expenses in the long run.

How to Calculate ROI on ERP Customization

Customization should provide measurable business value. To assess whether your investment is justified, consider:

Time savings: How much manual effort is reduced?
Error reduction: Has automation minimized costly mistakes?
Improved decision-making: Are customized reports leading to better business insights?
Scalability: Will this customization support long-term growth without requiring frequent rework?

Budgeting Tips to Avoid Overspending

Without proper financial planning, ERP customization costs can spiral out of control. Here’s an overview of key budgeting strategies to keep costs in check:

Prioritize mission-critical customizations, not everything needs to be changed at once.
Factor in future ERP updates to ensure compatibility and avoid expensive rework.
Work with experienced ERP consultants to get cost estimates upfront and avoid hidden expenses.

Custom ERP modifications should serve your business needs without becoming a financial burden. With the right planning, companies can enhance efficiency while keeping costs under control.

Companies Benefiting from ERP Customization

Many well-known companies across industries have successfully implemented ERP customization to solve unique business challenges, improve productivity, and stay competitive. Here are a few notable examples:

Toyota

By integrating Odoo ERP, Toyota improved the coordination of its supply chain management and quality assurance processes. This integration led to increased productivity and a reduction in manual data input, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Nestlé

Nestlé implemented SAP ERP to unify its operations across 200 subsidiaries in 80 countries. This centralization resulted in reduced inventory levels, tighter control of inventory, and a more disciplined approach to business processes.

Asian Paints

Asian Paints implemented SAP CRM to enhance its business processes supporting its home solutions offering. This digital transformation provided end-to-end visibility of critical logistics and purchasing data, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.

These success stories prove that ERP customization, when done right, can optimize operations across industries. But to achieve this level of impact, you need more than just a flexible ERP system. You need a partner who understands your business inside out. SB Infotech helps you make that leap from standard to strategic.

Why Partner with SB Infotech for ERP Customization?

Choosing the right ERP customization partner is just as crucial as selecting the right ERP system. While many providers offer generic modifications, SB Infotech stands out with its deep expertise, industry-focused solutions, and commitment to long-term business growth. Here's how we go beyond typical ERP solutions to deliver customized, industry-specific results that drive tangible business outcomes.

Industry-Specific Expertise

Unlike many ERP providers who offer generic solutions, we specialize in industries like corrugation, mono carton, auto components, and more. Our extensive experience in these sectors allows us to create ERP systems that truly fit your processes, saving you time and reducing the need for workarounds.

End-to-End Customization

From Business Central to Power BI and Jet Reports, our expertise ensures that each tool is fine-tuned to your business operations. We don’t just implement, we optimize, enhancing every step of your workflow with customized solutions that work seamlessly together.

Effortless Integration

Whether you need integration with third-party tools or external APIs (like E-Invoice, E-way Bill), we make sure your ERP system is fully connected with other critical business applications. This ensures smooth data exchange and reduces the risk of errors, saving you both time and money.

Agility and Scalability

As your business evolves, your ERP needs to keep up. Our systems are built to grow with you, adapting to new demands, additional locations, or new processes without requiring complete overhauls. SB Infotech provides scalable, future-ready solutions that keep your operations running smoothly for the long term.

Focus on Efficiency

We know that every minute counts. Our optimized resource planning, simplified supply chain, and efficient production control solutions are designed to enhance productivity and reduce lead times, allowing you to focus on what matters most: growing your business.

Comprehensive Support

From implementation to ongoing support, we stand by our solutions. Our team offers continuous post-implementation support to ensure that your ERP system keeps up with your evolving business needs, solving issues before they become problems.

CorrEx: ERP Solutions for the Corrugation Industry

One of our flagship offerings, CorrEx, is a comprehensive add-on for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, designed specifically for the corrugation manufacturing industry. Here's a quick overview of its powerful features:

Finished Goods Specification: Record technical details of finished products, including material specs, flute types, dimensions, and durability calculations.
Process Routing: Standardize operations with pre-set templates, quality checklists, and inspection sheets, ensuring uniform product quality.
Subcontracting Management: Track outsourced tasks, monitor subcontractor performance, and maintain real-time visibility into work progress.
Gate Inward/Outward Management: Enhance logistics security by capturing material receipts, shipments, and vehicle details for improved inventory tracking.
Reel Management: Track paper reels used in production, optimize stock, reduce waste, and improve inventory efficiency.
Dispatch Scheduling: Plan shipments based on order priority, production status, and optimize delivery routes to ensure on-time deliveries.
Machine Integration: Automate communication between ERP and production machines for real-time monitoring, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.

Get in touch with our experts to explore how ERP customization can enhance your operations and drive growth.

Conclusion

ERP customization isn’t just about tweaking a few settings. It’s about building a system that actually supports how your business runs today and how it will grow tomorrow. While standard ERP platforms offer a good starting point, they rarely account for the nuances of industry-specific operations or evolving workflows.

The right customizations can enhance operations, reduce manual workarounds, and help teams use the ERP system with confidence. But it’s equally important to avoid over-complicating the system with unnecessary changes. A focused, scalable approach to customization ensures long-term usability, better ROI, and smoother day-to-day operations.

If you’re planning to customize your ERP system, take the time to assess your real needs, involve the right people, and keep flexibility in mind. It’s a strategic investment — and when planned well, it pays off in better performance across the board.