Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is tremendously popular today. So much so, that businesses are rushing into without first during their homework. As a result, some of these firms have suffered implementation problems. That need not be the case. It’s always important to get an ERP demo before engaging any enterprise software vendor. This is the best way to school yourself on what to expect and to learn how this system operates. This is not an out-of-the-box
software suite, after all. It is something much more advanced and requires the full attention of your management and staff. This should be a group effort. You will want to get feedback from others in the group and you will certainly have questions to ask. So, make this a team effort. If you’re going to have ERP installed on-site, that is going to be a costly and timely proposition. Make sure that you have done your homework and your research before going ahead with any implementation. Otherwise, you’ll be left with one big headache.

ERP Software

Be in the know with an ERP Demo  

Since the most popular route to ERP today is by way of the Web and Software as a Service (SaaS), let’s talk about online demos. This is a much easier and quicker approach than an on-site demonstration, which has to be mapped out and explained. The vendor would have to how you demos of installations done at other companies, which doesn’t mean that yours would be an exact replica of any of those. On-site installation of enterprise software can be a tricky endeavor to pull off satisfactorily, all the time. It takes a lot of work and consultation before moving forward with the implementation. On-demand, online, hosted ERP can be conveniently demoed and you can have the opportunity to schedule demos from a number of vendors, because these would be less time consuming.

Demos are great because they give you a chance to see ERP in action. And when you observe them from a number of vendors, you get a much better idea of the differences in systems applications. You will of course need to know what you want from ERP. What do you want to change in the way your business is administered? How would like your system’s platform to be set up. These are questions that the software vendor is going to ask you in the beginning of discussions about implementing the software. They will expect that you have a game plan in place before seeing an ERP demo. Then too, a demo might help you to more accurately determine your needs. So, it can work both ways.

The demos will be a good opportunity too, for your management/staff working group to discuss them and make comparisons. Beyond the demos, think also about the vendor. Are they a company that you feel comfortable working with? After viewing a few demos you will be able to
more clearly ascertain that. Part of your job will have been to study and research the vendor before seeking a demo.

An ERP Demo is always a smart idea. Be sure to get one or more.

Written by :

Don Cooper