Have you decided that your company needs an Enterprise Resource Planning solution? If so, then congratulations on overcoming the first hurdle of this process. We know that deciding to implement an ERP solution requires a lot of meetings, data analysis, and number-crunching on your end. Deciding that you need an ERP solution for your business also means that you’re in the vast majority of companies around the globe. Business Insider reports that 70% of manufacturing and retail firms worldwide have begun digital transformation projects.
Now it’s time for you to tackle an even more challenging question:
What is the right ERP solution for your business?
At Single Source Systems, we specialize in helping companies understand what they need from their ERP solution and define their exact requirements to ensure the system they get is the right fit. With that in mind, we wanted to offer these six tips on finding the right ERP solution for your business.
- Understand what you want your ERP to do. When you start discussing your ideal ERP with your team, don’t talk about specific features. At least not at first. Start by talking about what you want it to do for you. What problems does it need to solve? Think about how the solution will fit your business— not how your business will need to change to accommodate this new system.
It sounds a bit obvious, but you might be surprised to learn that many companies don’t know what they need their ERP solution to do for them. They often can’t differentiate between essential requirements, “nice to have,” and non-essential features.
- Determine the readiness of your organization.
The next step is to get a feel for how ready your organization is for a new ERP system. For example, how much resistance to change from employees do you anticipate? Do you think a once-and-done overhaul is necessary? Or is it more palatable to staff if you gradually introduce the new solution over time?
- Spell out your needs in excruciating detail. This is why you don’t want to start listing features in tip 1. Instead, it’s the supplier who should be telling you what features their ERP software has that will solve your firm’s challenges.
Document the results of the discussions from tips 1 and 2 in as much detail as possible. You’re going to give that document to every potential ERP solution supplier you talk to.
- Decide on a budget. Also, speak to your potential vendors about what financing options they may offer. That can help make the ERP system more affordable.
Consider how much money you have to spend on your ERP solution. The final price tag will depend on the size of your company, how many employees will use the system, customizations, deployment options, and more.
- Create an internal “ERP Dream Team” Determine who will be part of the team and clearly define their roles. For example, you’ll need specific members of the team to handle vendor proposals, manage the relationship with the chosen vendor, oversee user acceptance testing, train staff, manage the budget, and handle overall project management.
One of the most essential elements of finding the right ERP solution for your business is identifying those who will take responsibility for the selection and implementation of the system. Thus, you need to create your ERP “dream team,” if you will.
- Be demanding. Ask the vendors questions such as:
- How is your ERP solution suited to my specific business?
- How will your ERP solution solve these specific challenges my organization has?
- Can you provide a scope of work?
- Can you demonstrate how your solutions have helped similar organizations?
- How long will the project take to complete? How will you ensure that you will adhere to your schedule?
- How much disruption can my employees expect during and after installation?
Remember, installing an ERP solution is not an inexpensive purchase. Therefore, you have every right to demand that your potential vendors give you satisfactory answers to each question you have.
You’ll likely come up with many more questions. If you’re not satisfied with any answer given, then move on to the next vendor.
Let Single Source Help You Find the Right ERP Solution
The six tips above are an excellent start to helping you find the right ERP solution for your business. If you need more guidance, then contact Single Source Systems. We have specialized in technology solutions to help build efficient business operations for more than 35 years.
As an Acumatica partner, Single Source Systems, Inc. is ready and able to assist you with getting your Acumatica ERP system into place and running smoothly. Acumatica offers ERP software customized to your business, thereby accelerating your return on investment and decreasing the time spent training employees. When failure just isn’t an option, you can count on Single Source Systems, Inc.
If you would like to learn more about how cloud-based ERP software can transform your business or schedule a free Acumatica demo, contact us today!
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