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TOP 10 TIPS FOR SELECTING AN ERP SYSTEM AND IMPLEMENTATION VENDOR
Having the ability to integrate all areas of the business to create one version of the truth is what most
businesses strive for. A system that provides business intelligence and reporting to enable management to
make informed decisions.
Deploying an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is an expensive proposition, not just in terms of licensing cost and maintenance, but in terms of
resources and time. However, selecting the right system and the right vendor to implement it will greatly increase productivity and be a ‘secret weapon’, in
terms of competitive advantage, to companies in any industry.
Knowing the key things to look for during the selection process will be a good starting point for your evaluation process.
1.
CHOOSE A VENDOR THAT HAS MANY SUCCESSFUL
systems to fit your industry could be like forcing a square peg
IMPLEMENTATIONS UNDER ITS BELT. into a round hole. Enterprise solutions today are much more
An ERP vendor with a long history and experience with system
customisable than a decade ago, but some are more adaptable
replacements will be critical to your organisation if you currently
and easily integrated to your business than others. Find out
have an ERP system that is in need of being replaced. If you
which they are and make sure that they are the right ERP solution
don’t have an ERP system on board, this criteria still holds true
for you.
as you will undoubtedly need to replace, upgrade or enhance
your enterprise system down the road. You should also ask for
4.
CHECK THE IMPLEMENTATION METHODOLOGY IS
PROVEN AND WILL DELIVER PREDICTABLE RESULTS.
information from their references and have access to companies
that they have previously provided similar services to.
The right ERP vendor will take the time to understand your
company’s unique needs. The first steps should be to establish
2.
PICK A VENDOR WITH INDUSTRY EXPERTISE. what you are looking for, and what you hope to achieve from the
Look for a vendor with specialist industry knowledge who
system. You should then get an implementation scope of work
understands your business and your business processes. The
and deliverables detailing responsibilities for your team and that
weakest link in ERP implementations is consulting expertise. Make
of the vendor. This ensures getting the right things in the right
sure that a vendor’s staff of design professionals, systems analysts,
order, enabling excellent risk management with no unpleasant
technical consultants, and financial experts understand your
surprises.
industry inside and out.
5.
3.
MAKE SURE THAT THE ERP SOFTWARE FEATURES ADD
PICK A SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR YOUR INDUSTRY. VALUE TO YOUR BUSINESS. Make sure the ERP system will fit your business. What many
The critical processes of your business and future business need
vendors offer is a solution that was originally developed for a
to be addressed when looking at the robust features of an ERP
particular industry or vertical. Trying to customise these rigid
system. These critical features should also be integrated company
6.
wide, to every department, not just to a few critical departments.
skill levels, project and consultancy services is crucial. When the
As an enterprise system grows, and helps your company grow,
vendor has the breadth of knowledge and depth of skills to keep
you need to make sure that it is able to synchronise with all
your ERP system running smoothly, it will continue to contribute
departments going forward.
to the ongoing productivity and efficiency of your organisation.
MAKE SURE YOU FUTURE PROOF YOUR BUSINESS.
8.
ENSURE YOU CHOOSE A SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS
Businesses and technologies are changing all the time, so
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH. choose a system that is scalable and will let you grow without
If your business is growing on an international scale, then look
the ‘growing pains’. Look for agility and flexibility to adapt to
for an ERP system that supports multi-currency, multi-location,
market leads. Technological advances happen at accelerating
multi-language, multi-jurisdictional and multi-company.
rates and customer expectations are continually increasing.
Look for a system that has been proven to work and add value
9.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREEBIES. while supporting business growth, new operating methods,
If you can work with a vendor who provides a free concept ERP
market expansion and strategies of the future. Also look for a
workshop, it’s a sensible way to find out more in a risk-free way.
system which has continued investment and is constantly being
10. UNDERSTAND YOU ARE BUYING PEOPLE NOT SOFTWARE.
developed to meet future needs.
People and teams are the only solution. A great team will
7.
CHOOSE A VENDOR THAT HAS A DEDICATED CUSTOMER
implement a great solution and it WILL work. An OK team will
SERVICE OPERATION. implement a great system badly. A bad team will break your
The quality of service can be as vital as the software itself. A
business regardless of the system. As well as your own, get to
vendor who offers a range of comprehensive support packages
know your implementation vendor and THAT team.
to address a wide range of technical support needs, system
And remember, when ERP is practically all a vendor does, it is a better choice than one with divided, unfocused interests and business units vying for
resources.
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