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In every small company’s life there hopefully comes a point where it has to expand far beyond its current capabilities and technology. It is at this juncture where the use of independent software packages for business management such as QuickBooks and Excel are no longer adequate to the needs of the company. This is when the selection of an Enterprise Resource Planning system must be considered carefully . Selecting the appropriate ERP is extremely important. Whether you or your staff have gotten good at buying management software or not, you must proceed with care and with a plan in place. The chosen ERP will have a long term impact on the company’s successful future. The tips we are providing will give you a roadmap to help guide you through this process. Factor #1: The Software Provider There must be an assessment of the current and future viability of the software provider itself. What are their current financial and organizational circumstances? Are they and will they be competitive in the marketplace for the long term? You will benefit from an understanding of their ability and desire to invest in research and development of future products and support for their current product suites. Factor #2: The ERP Product Itself The ERP system you select must not only be able to do all the things you need, but be able to do those things that you will need in the future. It should be able to grow and adapt to and with your organization’s needs. Also, another important factor is knowing what services are provided in conjunction with the ERP product and to assist in its adaptability. Factor #3: Feedback From You One interesting item to determine regarding your potential ERP provider is how open they are to your feedback. Do they actively identify with their market and are they open to suggestions on new products and services, as well as additions to current systems? This is important because it indicates greater flexibility for the future. Factor #4: Vertical Growth Ascertain how the software provider sees its own growth, as well as how it will grow along with its clients and the industries its products service. A strong indicator is when you can find that an ERP system provider actively participates in discussion forums and user groups related to its products. Factor #5: System Features and price Points It goes without saying that you want a software suite that is priced competitively. However, you will also want to see how well the provider shows its products. How do they demonstrate the features and capabilities of their enterprise wide software? This not only indicates how they view their software, but also how they might view the future as well. Factor #6: Direct Application Support It is important to determine how the provider will support your company. Because with systems as large, complex and powerful as ERP’s can be, There will be a need for a constant stream of support, this is inevitable and in fact, a positive thing. Does the chosen ERP developer provide direct support, do they have certified partners who can act in their stead, and what are the associated costs. Factor #7: Provider’s Track Record Arguably this is one of the most important factors to consider. You will want to know exactly how the ERP development company and its products perform. What has been their actual support for others, are they responsive? Are their lags in upgrades and patches? The best way to find this out is to seek out referrals. There is no better evaluation than that made by existing customers. Factor #8: After The Purchase This aspect of the selection process is one you may have to work through a bit on your own. Of course, you will require an understanding of how the ERP software provider will treat you after your purchase and initial implementation. One method for determining this has been suggested above. However, it is here that your planning will have to take into account the company’s projected growth and future needs. You will want to know what type and quality of training will be available to your staff. You also want to research how much and what type of third party resources are available to help support you. These resources include independent consulting firms, who can not only provide training, but on-site and remote administration, planning and maintenance. These third party consulting firms can be your most valuable asset. Purchasing an ERP is a monumental decision in the life of a growing business and requires taking the long view and careful planning. If done correctly, it can not only be a huge move forward, but can be the very foundation of the profitable future of any company. David and his company have been providing top notch consulting services for Lawson and Kronos users for many years now. If you have any questions about these software suites, or ERP systems in general, you can tap into an extremely valuable resource by visiting: Please visit us today you may also find our Lawson consulting blog a handy tool as well.
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