ERP Vendor Selection: Who Knows You Best?

One of the first tasks facing a typical ERP project team is to review ERP systems available in the marketplace and the ERP vendors who support them.

Which solution deserves consideration?

Which ERP vendor offers the most potential in terms of delivering an ROI?

Industry Knowledge

After decades of offering organizations a framework for effective ERP projects, our team has found that a critical consideration is identifying an ERP vendor who knows your type of manufacturing.

We’ve included this suggestion, and others, in a free white paper entitled “Best Practices for ERP Vendor Selection.”

We suggest that the organization aligns with an ERP vendor with proven success in the company’s specific industry.

For example, a plastics supplier to the aerospace industry should seek out the ERP vendors that address that industry, its particular issues, and learn about the vendor’s success in that industry.

Make sure the vendor addresses critical requirements including regulatory mandates, customer requirements, and other key considerations.

Ask for recent references and a product direction statement that explains how they plan to be the leader in that industry.

Shortlist the ERP software systems that most easily accommodate a company’s distinctive processes. Look for a flexible solution that fits with existing systems.

This process will help with ERP selection criteria. This process will deliver results with Information from suppliers, customers and ERP professionals that specialize in a specific industry.

Avoid the Force-Fit

It makes no business sense to force-fit an ERP solution to a specific industry.

Instead, take the time to assess what ERP systems have the features and functions that address those industry challenges faced by the manufacturer.

When strategic steps are accomplished during the ERP selection phase, organizations increase success of ERP contract negotiations and other tasks.

Learn More

Download a free white paper for best practices in ERP vendor selection — from developing a list of vendors for consideration; to identifying the leading vendors in the vertical industry; to conducting due diligence to make sure those solutions on the short list will deliver value to the organization.

With tactics shared in this free resource, you will quickly establish a list of vendors to be considered, and achieve effective ERP vendor selection.