Lately I have encounter quite a bit of wonder as to why various companies decide to go with large ERP vendors such as SAP, Oracle or Microsoft based on being able to just say that that company has that software. It has become more and more common I believe that IT staff is pushing for these companies to better their own experience just so they are able to put on a resume that they implemented SAP or other. Without careful consideration on the fundamental needs of what is best for the company.

ERP Software

Why is having SAP for your business being used more for a “fashion” statement than for your actual needs?

Since ERP is becoming better known in households, that when asked what software do you have, companies excitedly or arrogantly say “We have SAP.” This is like the one upping neighbor stating “oh we just bought the SRT10 Hennessy Edition Jeep Cherokee for $250,000!” And my response is always, wait you did what? So let me get this straight you purchased a Jeep because you like the room and need the V8 for towing the 4X4 capability because you live where it snows. And for the price range is sounds like a perfect fit!! But starting around $28,000 you went ahead and spent $222,000 more just so you can say you bought the SRT10 Hennessy Edition. Just like with a few companies I encountered that have spent far too much for an ERP solutions that wasn’t want they “needed” but for the sake of saying we have SAP or other vendors.

Is this how software is to be thought of? You get what you pay for? Or are there alternative motives or something underlying that I just do not see? Now this isn’t being written to downplay or to say that SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft are not good or even great solutions. But I compare purchasing a car to software with the similar kind of approach right? You think about what you need the vehicle for and how that vehicle will make your life better in the purchase. Or am I being too naïve? I’ll leave that to you……………………..

Written by :

chance