| Posted by Tim Fry By now you’ve been at this for a while. You’ve Googled ERP systems and looked at all the marketing fluff until you’re blue in the face. You’ve been talking to different vendors and based on capabilities you have it narrowed down to a few. Now you need to see what these systems can do. So, you schedule a demo, look at all the pretty buttons and widgets, and come away still not really sure. What happened? How can you make this a more effective process? |  |
Here's a Hint:
All ERP systems are pretty good at doing financials, creating sales and purchase orders, and invoicing for goods and services. Definitely take a look at these processes, but they are core to an ERP system and by now all the real players in the market do it pretty well. So how can you figure out what sets them apart?
How Are You Unique?
Before you ask your vendors (by now you should have narrowed it down to 2 - 4) for a demonstration, ask yourself what makes your company different? No two companies are exactly alike; there’s something (probably several things) about your company that’s unique. Maybe you have an exceptionally complicated commission structure, or an unusual product that must be managed carefully, or a unique service requirement. Whatever it is, identify it and ask your future partner to demonstrate how they would handle that.
But...
Don’t be surprised if your ERP partner pushes back on that request. Your scenario may take considerable time to set up, and especially if you’re a smaller company, they may not be able to justify that expense. Be understanding of your partner’s time and be receptive to having a conversation about how they would handle it. They should be able to show you portions of the solution and describe what would be done to make the system perform like you need it.
Evaluate the Team
Last, take your eyes off the screen and consider the team the partner has assembled. They will be the people you are working with for the next six months to a year. Ultimately their talents and the relationship you will build with them may have more influence on the success of your project than any system.
All ERP systems are pretty good at doing financials, creating sales and purchase orders, and invoicing for goods and services. Definitely take a look at these processes, but they are core to an ERP system and by now all the real players in the market do it pretty well. So how can you figure out what sets them apart?
How Are You Unique?
Before you ask your vendors (by now you should have narrowed it down to 2 - 4) for a demonstration, ask yourself what makes your company different? No two companies are exactly alike; there’s something (probably several things) about your company that’s unique. Maybe you have an exceptionally complicated commission structure, or an unusual product that must be managed carefully, or a unique service requirement. Whatever it is, identify it and ask your future partner to demonstrate how they would handle that.
But...
Don’t be surprised if your ERP partner pushes back on that request. Your scenario may take considerable time to set up, and especially if you’re a smaller company, they may not be able to justify that expense. Be understanding of your partner’s time and be receptive to having a conversation about how they would handle it. They should be able to show you portions of the solution and describe what would be done to make the system perform like you need it.
Evaluate the Team
Last, take your eyes off the screen and consider the team the partner has assembled. They will be the people you are working with for the next six months to a year. Ultimately their talents and the relationship you will build with them may have more influence on the success of your project than any system.
Conclusion
Effective software demonstrations are only one portion of the selection process, but seeing the right functionality can do a lot to relieve stress about selecting the right system. Another is making sure you have an honest, reliable partner who will be there to support your company during implementation and in the months and years after. If you’re interested in discussing what makes your business unique, and what InterDyn Artis can do to help you solve those problems, please feel free to contact us.
Effective software demonstrations are only one portion of the selection process, but seeing the right functionality can do a lot to relieve stress about selecting the right system. Another is making sure you have an honest, reliable partner who will be there to support your company during implementation and in the months and years after. If you’re interested in discussing what makes your business unique, and what InterDyn Artis can do to help you solve those problems, please feel free to contact us.
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