ERP Software

How to Compare ERP Software

Let’s imagine that you’ve held the meetings; you have worked out a game plan; you’ve agreed to go forward and implement Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Now, what’s next? Do your homework. Form an investigative committee to compare ERP software. Your meetings will have discussed what you need and what you are looking for. That’s a start, but as you investigate the software and check out demos, you will gain a much better perspective of what is appropriate for your business. Be prepared to take your time; by all means don’t rush this project. It’s much too important, as it will be the main operations vehicle for administering your business.

Break all the features and benefits down, get a clear understanding of how the software will work and how it will change the way you do business. Examine how well the software fits in with the way you like to work. And by all means, let your employees participate in the process and view all demos too, as they will be using the software and will need to understand how it works. Speaking of employees, they will have to be trained on how to use the system, so it’s important to get a clear understanding about vendor training, service and support.

The software product is one thing, the service and support is another. That’s why it is wise to take a full view of what the vendor is offering before coming to any conclusions. Ask about some of the vendor’s clients and their experience with the software. Ask to speak to satisfied clients themselves. You’ll also want to ask about how many successful implementations the vendor has done when you compare ERP software.

If yours is a small business, then you might want to consider a Web-based ERP package. It’s less expensive and can be installed much more quickly; yet you still get the all the benefits and features. In order to make proper comparisons, you will need to test the systems performance to see how well it will adapt to your environment.

Going with enterprise resource planning is a smart move to make; but before you take the leap, be sure you know what you’re getting into. You will be expected by the software vendor to have done your own research and have a good idea of what you want when you compare ERP software. That’s why it’s important to do your homework.

Written by :

Don Cooper