Six Tips on Choosing the Right ERP Software
Published on 05 May 14
Leslie0
Choosing the right Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software for businesses is critical. It affects the growth and success of any organisation. Since the requirements of any business are continuously evolving, finding an appropriate software solution can be challenging. Hence the importance of following certain procedures when acquiring an ERP system.
To help you find the best software to meet your business’ requirements, here are some tips to consider:
1. Review, analyse and define
The first step in choosing a system is to review your organisation’s needs. What are its current processes, as well as its key areas of strength and weakness? Once you’ve reviewed these, it’s time to analyse the current and future needs of the company. It should also be compatible with your IT infrastructure’s current level. After conducting all of these, it’s time to define your business needs and present them to potential software vendors. Vendors will assess your needs and demonstrate their products’ features.
2. Understand the risks and costs
It’s always best to understand the potential risks and costs when purchasing a business solution. Most sales representatives tend to downplay these. This includes software maintenance, hardware upgrades and back-filling of team projects. Before committing to a particular system, it’s better to accept future costs and uncover all the possible hidden costs associated with its purchase.
3. Be realistic with your implementation plans
Implementation plans should always be flexible and realistic. Your software vendor may give you duration estimates but take them with a grain of salt. Develop a more comprehensive plan which includes software installation, testing and feedback from the end-users. Things like business processes, data migration and possible organisational changes in management should also be included in the planning process. These things should be covered in your project plans before finalising any software deals.
4. Keep an eye on or track the new system’s business benefits
Every new system needs tracking. Measuring and keeping an eye on the ERP software’s full potential is very important. Its main goal is to help reduce overhead costs while increasing revenue. Without the proper assessment, you won’t be able to achieve these goals.
5. Seek for an independent and objective advice from other users
Before making any final decisions on what software to take, seek advice from other users. Do your research and find others who are using the same system. The Internet is another good resource for reviews and opinions. You can also hire ERP consultants who can better assess your organisation’s needs. It’s better to validate your sales representative’s claims before accepting any deals from them.
6. Encourage all the employees to get involved in the decision process
Finding the best ERP software should involve all employees. Asking future users for their feedback is most beneficial. Letting them join the evaluation, testing and training programs will help fast-track the project’s lifecycle. Involving them in the process will make it more successful.
Selecting ERP software is both complex and expensive. It requires long-term commitment and good project planning to make it a success. Make sure to choose a vendor who will support your current and future needs. Keep these tips in mind to reach help you reach your organisation’s goals.
This blog is listed under
Development & Implementations
and Enterprise Applications
Community
Related Posts:
Post a Comment
