Software Solution Guide: 6 Tips For Choosing the Right ERP System to Implement

Choosing the Right ERP Software

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are an essential aspect of any growing business. It involves integrating the various functions that are essential to running a successful business into one complete and streamlined process. ERP software is essential to ensuring that your information systems are able to support and enhance your business as you expand, and requires choosing a system that will serve your business model today and in the future.

There are multiple types of ERP software for your business to choose from. Choosing the right ERP system will save your business money and will maximize the benefits of the software. The following six tips will ensure that you choose the right ERP system to implement for your business.

1. Make a list of key requirements before searching for possible software suppliers

ERP software is most successful when it molds to your business’s specific needs.

Choosing the right system to implement involves carefully defining the scope of your specific business processes and requirements. This means that possible vendors can be detailed in their proposals, and you can provide your business with the best fit.

Choosing an industry-specific ERP system with features that support your business requirements means that your business will not be left with a poorly customized and expensive solution. Consulting with staff from various departments is a great way of ensuring that your ERP software will support all of your business processes. Researching a ‘buyer’s guide’ to ERP software is also a great way of ensuring you tick all of the boxes on your checklist.

2. Choose an option that can be used across smartphones and tablets.

Being able to securely access ERP software from smartphones and tablets provides your business with greater flexibility.  Leading global businesses, including Apple, are an example of successful ERP implementation, as they have found success through partnering with ERP providers across mobile devices and even mobile apps.

3. Choose an option that’s easy to update and will preserve custom features

Keeping your ERP technology current is key to maximizing its full business potential.

Choosing to create your own custom ERP program, or purchasing on-site software without proper and ongoing training, leads to many businesses running old versions of their software. Choosing an ERP provider that implements initial and ongoing product training ensures that your employees have confidence in using the system correctly and maximizes the software’s potential. Forbes recently explored the impact poorly implemented ERP software has had on leading financial providers who failed to provide training throughout their transition to ERP software. Such horror stories emphasize the importance of ongoing ERP software training.

4. Evaluate the setup and ongoing costs of the ERP software

It is important to consider whether the charges involved will be one-time-only or recurring and whether your business can afford to use the system on a continuous basis. ERP software can be expensive, so it is important to uncover any additional costs that may not be immediately apparent. These costs can include regular system updates and training costs.

5. Consider the vendor’s reputation and client reviews

Choosing an ERP provider creates an important and ongoing partnership for your business. It is therefore important to review the vendor’s most recent products, whether these products will work within your existing systems and whether they have specialized experience in the industry of your business. Making sure the vendor fits your needs increases the likelihood of a smooth transition. Reviews of other clients are a great way of ensuring that your vendor can become a trusted partner of your business.

6. Measure the potential business benefits of each option

ERP software should be implemented as a way to reduce costs and increase revenue. Before choosing software, all businesses should spend time estimating the total costs and measuring the potential benefits the software will provide. It is also important to develop an implementation plan that includes training procedures across your company before installing the software.

With so many ERP options available, selecting software for your business can be an overwhelming task. Following these six tips will ensure that your ERP solution is going to be the best fit for your organization.