Amazingly, the ERP industry is now over 40 years old.<\/p>\n
In 40 years, most veterans of ERP will have noted that the ERP industry has transformed from an \u2018ERP solution sold on the golf course\u2019 to a solution that is discovery led and drives business benefit. With more online ERP content being published by providers, promising you increased business success, with a higher ROI than ever, it\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed by information. This can make it difficult to understand what is and isn\u2019t achievable from the solution, and who is best placed to deliver the solution that fits your business needs.<\/p>\n
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The maturity within the industry has also changed the approach, and costs associated with ERP selection. In some instances, the evaluation costs have increased, as the due diligence process has become far more involved to ensure that the ERP delivers the required business benefits.<\/p>\n
The industry is saturated with \u2018project managers\/ex ERP industry experts\u2019 and ERP selection consultants who will offer their services to advise on how your business works and to guide you through the selection process. This works for some, but often focusses on the functional requirements they have uncovered, and does not recognise or address the value that can be achieved by choosing the correct product and, more importantly, the partner. Therefore, it is vital when selecting an ERP solution that you choose your consultant very carefully and engage with a trusted implementation partner.<\/p>\n
Why? You May Ask<\/strong><\/p>\n You know your business better than anybody!<\/p>\n It is only right that you work with a partner who shares your vision and supports you through the selection process. Somebody who understands your business needs and can translate these into a functional ERP solution. They will be able to assist you to assemble your project team, a difficult task in any business, especially one with limited resources. They will advise on business transformation as well as help to deliver the ERP solution. If done correctly this can drive a very positive cultural outcome.<\/p>\n Businesses that have experienced at least one ERP implementation or one cycle of an ERP upgrade will appreciate the pain of lessons learnt and the commitment required to migrate from one solution to another. These businesses will be keen to minimise any risk associated with their next selection. The functional characteristics and options of most ERP solutions are available directly from the regional analysts such as Gartner, Nucleus, TecEval \u2013 these businesses operate to provide impartial ERP advice.<\/p>\n Consider the following during your selection process:<\/p>\n\n