The companies who chose to put their ERP implementations on hold during the recession are beginning to implement their systems now that the economy is on the rise. In order to ensure that their ERP implementations are a success, companies must select their ERP software from the right enterprise resource planning vendor.
While different software developers and publishers are going to be capable of providing different benefits, there is usually one group that is best suited for each company. These considerations hinge on things such as companies’ sizes, their needs, plans for the future and the industries in which they work. Keep the following steps in mind when selecting your ERP software vendor:
- Create a timeline
ERP implementations are rarely undertaken in a vacuum. Rather, they’re in response to some company-wide need or a perceived failing on the part of a business’ current level of operability. These needs will determine at what point a business needs to be in possession of a fully functioning ERP system. Present such a timeline to your vendor so they may understand if candidates will be able to meet such demands in a timely fashion.
- Set financial goalposts
There are certain constraints that are difficult for organizations to avoid, chief among them the financial limitations placed on groups. Some figures simply can’t be surpassed, so decide what your budget is in advance and stick to it. Be as conservative as possible during the early negotiations to get a sense of which vendors are most willing to meet your business’ financial needs and which are asking more than you can afford.
- Be fluid and flexible
It is good to be rigid and strong during negotiations, but there’s no reason to be unbending to compromise. That which does not bend will eventually break, which is important to keep in mind when meeting with multiple organizations. Speak with many software vendors and allow leaders to be somewhat flexible. The aforementioned figures and considerations should be embraced only so long as it’s reasonable to do so. Missing out on an excellent opportunity with a creative and dependable software vendor might not be worth the few thousand dollars that were saved by sticking to one’s guns.