Demos
The demo drives the decision
Vendors show their best scenarios, not yours, and the most polished presentation wins.
ERP Selection Center
Choose the right ERP the first time.
Vendor-neutral ERP selection for manufacturers and distributors. Define what your business needs, compare vendors on your terms, and negotiate before you sign.
No software resale commissionsManufacturing and distribution focusScripted, requirements-based demos
30+Years in ERP consulting
82%On-time ROI delivery
$7Return per $1 invested
0Bias. No vendors.
Recognized by Clutch2025 Top Consulting Company
Where selections go wrong
Most bad ERP decisions are made before the first demo.
A new ERP commits the business for a decade or more. These are the gaps that turn a promising selection into an expensive mismatch.
Requirements
Requirements are incomplete
Critical processes, exceptions and integrations surface after the contract is signed.
Business case
No one has quantified the value
Without a business case, cost and scope are hard to defend and harder to control.
Negotiation
Pricing is accepted as quoted
Licensing, services and support terms are negotiated late, or not at all.
Fit
The shortlist is too broad or too narrow
Teams evaluate whoever called first instead of the systems built for their industry.
Readiness
Implementation is an afterthought
Data, people and process readiness are not planned until the project has already started.
Free 3-minute assessment
Are you ready to go to market for ERP?
Answer six questions and get an immediate selection readiness score with the next steps that matter most. No contact details needed to see your result.
This is a preliminary screening tool based on your own answers. It is not a formal assessment or a guarantee of results.
Client results
Independent selection that pays for itself.
Manufacturers and distributors use Ultra to make the decision with evidence, then hold vendors to it.
$500KSaved in vendor negotiations, backed by a business case showing $15.6M in benefits over five years.Stoughton Trailers
$350K+Annual savings from an ERP and WMS selection and implementation led by Ultra.Radio Flyer
40%Lower raw materials inventory, with scrap down nearly 2%.Copperweld
2 hrs to 2 minOrder processing time, plus a 40% improvement in reporting.Knox Machine Company
I would be pretty scared to evaluate vendors without the help of a partner.
Ultra really was a trusted advisor, especially when interacting with vendors during the selection process.
Ultra helped us clearly understand how to improve our business.
Clients includeRadio FlyerPactivIpsenSpirent CommunicationsChicago Tube & IronDeschutes BreweryEvans Food GroupStoughton TrailersCopperweldKnox Machine CompanyBriggs EquipmentDober Group
Results and client statements as published on ultraconsultants.com case studies.
Why independent matters
A vendor sells software. Ultra evaluates what your business needs.
Ultra does not resell ERP or collect commissions, so the recommendation follows your requirements. You get a structured evaluation, a defensible business case and someone on your side of the negotiating table.
- Future-state process design before software
- Requirements-based vendor shortlist
- Scripted demos scored against your needs
- Contract and pricing negotiation support
How a selection runs
A structured path from requirements to signed contract.
Every step builds the evidence for the next decision.
1
Define the future state
Map how the business should run and document the requirements that matter most.
2
Build the business case
Quantify benefits, total cost and payback so the investment can be defended.
3
Evaluate the shortlist
Run scripted demos against your requirements and score each vendor the same way.
4
Negotiate and plan
Negotiate terms with leverage and plan implementation before you sign.
Before you send an RFP
Get an independent view of your selection plan.
One conversation can sharpen requirements, the shortlist and your timeline.
Speak with Ultra
Tell us where you are in the ERP selection process.
Whether you are just starting or already watching demos, an Ultra advisor can help you frame the decision and avoid the most expensive mistakes.
- A conversation about your situation, not a software pitch
- Independent perspective from consultants who do not resell ERP
- No obligation to engage
Prefer to call? 312-319-1411
Book a Selection Strategy Call
Short form. An Ultra advisor will follow up to schedule a time.
Frequent questions
Before you start a selection.
Does Ultra sell or resell any ERP software?
No. Ultra is independent and does not collect software commissions, so recommendations follow your requirements.
We already have a shortlist. Is it too late to get help?
No. Ultra can validate the shortlist against your requirements, script the remaining demos and support the negotiation.
How long does an ERP selection take?
It depends on scope and readiness. The readiness score above shows which gaps are most likely to affect your timeline, and an advisor can give you a realistic estimate on a call.
Do you work with our industry?
Ultra focuses on manufacturers and distributors, including food and beverage, industrial equipment, metals, electronics, chemicals and consumer products.