Contents
Finding the right ERP software is essential for gaining the full advantages of an integrated business management solution. The functions of the software should match your specific needs and budget.
The variety of options is often overwhelming. The process of deploying an ERP system is also time-consuming and expensive. Selecting the wrong software could lead to wasted resources and funds.
Use these 11 tips to choose and deploy the right ERP software for your organization.
Explore the Features of the Top ERP Software
To find the best ERP software, you need to know what types of features and functions the software provides. Learn more about the benefits of ERP software, how it works, and the implementation process.
The goal of this step is to ensure that you have a basic understanding of ERP software functionality. Research the capabilities of the software and the various ways that it can help create more efficiency for organizations in your industry.
During this initial research, it also helps to get a better sense of how much the software will cost to deploy. These details assist with the rest of the decision-making process.
Define Your Goals and the Scope of the Software
After learning more about the software, define your goals and expectations. Determine the requirements for each department. By knowing which features you need, you should find it easier to select the right software.
Start by creating a list of all business processes across the entire organization. Decide which processes require the most improvement. The software that you select should contain features for managing the areas that your organization struggles with the most.
Determine the Technical Software Requirements
Along with operational requirements, consider the technical requirements of your organization. Some software only works with certain servers or platforms. You may need either to host the system locally or to rely on cloud-based ERP solutions.
The IT department should be directly involved in determining the technical requirements of your business. They can analyze your current infrastructure and the impact of implementing the new software. The IT team also helps schedule the deployment of the software and coordinates with departments to complete the data migration process.
Create a Detailed ERP Project Summary
After defining goals and requirements, create a summary of the features that you require. This ERP project summary helps you compare options. You have a list that you can use to narrow down your search for ERP software.
A summary is also useful when working with ERP vendors. Providing a list of features helps vendors determine the scale of your project and whether they have a suitable solution.
Analyze the True Cost of ERP Software
The initial cost of the software is just one of the costs involved in implementing ERP software. The hidden costs are mostly associated with the implementation process.
You need to devote time and resources to planning the deployment of the software. This may keep certain employees away from other responsibilities, potentially putting other projects on hold or delaying other operations.
Develop an Effective Implementation Plan
An effective implementation plan helps minimize the disruption caused when deploying the software. It also assists with the selection of the software.
An implementation plan often involves a team of employees focused on finding and implementing the best ERP solution. The structure of the team and the choice of ERP team members is very important. The team should analyze current business processes and compare them to the features offered by various ERP systems.
Compare ERP Software or ERP Vendors
After completing the previous tips, begin comparing ERP software or the options available from various ERP vendors. Look at the list of features and components included with each product.
You should also compare the cost of the software. Some ERP solutions are free. However, the most extensive suites of business tools are major investments.
Examine the Accessibility of the ERP Software
Another detail to examine is the accessibility of the ERP software. If your staff regularly use tablets or smartphones to access company data, you may benefit from an ERP system that works on mobile devices.
Accessibility also refers to the ease of access and overall user experience. The best software should provide simple menus and functions. If the software is more in-depth, find out if the vendor offers training sessions.
Determine the Frequency of Software Updates
When comparing options or talking with a vendor, inquire about the frequency of the updates. The best ERP systems receive frequent updates to protect against security vulnerabilities and maintain compatibility with other products.
You should also find out how the updates are delivered. Some software requires manual patches performed by your IT department, while others offer automatic updates via the internet. If you use a cloud-based solution, the ERP software provider should include the updates automatically.
Find ERP Software Compatible with Existing Technologies
You may also need software that integrates with existing software, such as an email client and other SaaS products. Most ERP systems include a list of integrations. Review the list, and compare it to the software that your organization currently relies on.
Keep in mind that your business may not need to continue using all existing software. The ERP system may replace the need for several systems. For example, an extensive ERP solution should offer a complete range of financial tools, eliminating the need for separate bookkeeping software.
Analyze Customer Reviews and Feedback
Finding the best software requires feedback from existing customers. Valuable feedback can be found by meeting and discussing with existing users at the various software conferences. Search the internet for customer reviews to learn more about the ERP solutions that you are considering implementing.
Pay attention to the strengths and weaknesses of the software. Almost every product contains one or two drawbacks. However, the advantages should outweigh the disadvantages.
After reviewing these 11 tips, you may still feel overwhelmed by the process of selecting the right ERP software. If you require assistance, work with ERP consultants.
Along with helping with the selection of ERP software, consultants advise your organization throughout the implementation process.
Another alternative is to try free ERP software, allowing your business to quickly deploy a basic ERP system and test some of the features before committing to full-scale implementation.