5Tips for Selecting the Perfect ERP System
Researching ERP software can be a daunting task. After all, you’re looking for a system to help run your business. It will impact your customer service, how you manage your warehouse, your bottom line, and even your customers.
You must know what you need and how you will use it, prepare specific examples for your prospective vendor, and evaluate their solutions. As you research ERP software, make sure you consider these items:
How Will the ERP System Benefit Your Business?
An ERP system integrates information across your organization. It relies on a single database and automates the flow of information. A well-designed ERP system incorporates the aspects of your business to give you a clear view of it. When considering an ERP system, ask yourself if it will provide your business with these benefits:
- Will it improve my bottom line?
- How can it help increase and maintain customer satisfaction?
- Can it help my business attract new business?
- How can I use it to make my processes and my personnel more efficient?
- What resources does it provide for future growth?
Know What You Need
Make a checklist of your processes, what you need to help complete them, and any additional features you’d like to consider. Prioritize them to help with your decisions when making your selection. Your checklist can be as long as you need it to be, and might include standard features, such as inventory management, order entry, and reporting. It might also include industry-specific features, such as commissions, royalties, or subscriptions.
Evaluate Systems
- Prepare for demos. Document real-life scenarios that you need solved, and ask each vendor to demonstrate solutions.
- Compare how each vendor accomplishes the same functions and make sure they provide the solutions you need.
- Evaluate each system and how it meets your solution criteria.
Evaluate Vendors
Selecting a vendor is as important as selecting an ERP system. Be sure they are experts, professional, and available when you need them. Some things to consider:
- What is the vendor’s implementation process?
- When is the vendor available for technical support? How responsive is the vendor when you have questions or need assistance?
- How often is the system upgraded and what’s involved?
- Request references and follow up on them.
Be Realistic
Understand what’s involved in selecting and implementing an ERP system. You’re asking it to do a lot, and it can meet your needs when you’re realistic about what to expect. It takes as much commitment from you as from the vendor and the system. Not only during implementation, but for the life of the system. As people within your organization come and go and your business changes, additional maintenance and training is required. As your ERP system continuously improves, so can your business.
Once you make your selection, think about implementation. For help with this, download our white paper Ten Tips for a Successful ERP Implementation.
No Comments