Selecting an ERP solution in 4 steps

If you want to make the most of your investment, it would be wise to make a thorough comparison and evaluation of the available ERP options, so that you can ultimately choose a solution that covers the unique needs and preferences of your business. Here are the 4 steps that will help you choose the right ERP solution.

The right choice, the right support

It all begins with the vendor! While features are important, before you even begin considering them, you should make sure that the vendor of your choice, is reputable and, at the same time, offers the support you need. Obviously, you can’t just take their word for it. You need to do your own research, asking those that have already used this vendor’s services or reading reviews to gather the required information.

Nevertheless, a vendor’s reputation is not the only criterion you should consider, as often enough big, multinational software organizations do not offer the personalized support your business needs. You should be able to build a personal relationship with your vendor, so that they can support you throughout all the different deployment phases. Another, equally important parameter is the training options your vendor provides. After all, there is no point in having a high-quality solution, if your team members do not know how to use it properly.

Features, functionalities, modules

These are the ingredients of a successful ERP solution. Once you have selected the right vendor that can provide you with the required support, it is time to take a close look at the system’s functionality. Decide which features are important to your business and test the system’s functionality. Will you limit yourself to a basic functionality test or will you be opting for add-ins and customization? Finally, are there any specific modules that you’ll be needing immediately or will you leave them all for a later stage?

Trial version

A vendor that trusts its product will have no problem providing you with a free trial version, so that you can see the system’s functionalities and advantages in action. So, make sure to ask for a free trial and have your team check what this solution can accomplish and if, and how much, the vendor’s support team can help you with specific issues. Give your IT-skilled personnel access to the solution and collect their feedback and opinions.

Decision time

After the trial stage is completed, plan a meeting with your team to decide whether this solution is suitable for your business and your needs. Luckily, this last step will not be difficult at all, if you have been thorough enough during the previous steps, as is required when faced with such an important decision.