10 Tips for Successfully Selecting an ERP System - Tip #9

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Whatever process you have taken, you have finally arrived at the point where your company is going to start the journey of selecting and implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) application.  You have strong executive leadership and buy-in, now what? There’s a common phrase that states, “you only get out what you put into it”. Simply put, how well or poorly you plan a project or initiative will largely pre-determine the outcome. Now, you are venturing into the ERP application space. To select the best, most appropriate application and vendor, there are key points that are common, if not universal, to companies that have been successful with their ERP projects.

In this ongoing series, we’ll share best practices garnered from decades of working with customers whose ERP implementation success was pre-determined by their planning and execution thereof. 

1.     Ensure the Project is Properly Staffed and Budgeted

2.     Establish an Executive Sponsored Project Team

3.     Make a Requirements List but Focus on the High-Level Differentiators

4.     Plan for What You Need Today and Tomorrow. Or as Wayne Gretzky said: “I skate to                      where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.”

5.     Be Open with Your Vendors

6.     Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help 

7.     Limit Your Short List and Schedule Demos Fairly Close Together

8.     Focus on Value vs. Bells and Whistles

9.     Focus on The Implementation Partner during your Selection Process 

10.   Fully Utilize References to Aid in your Selection Process

Focus on The Implementation Partner during your Selection Process 

Most ERP applications will cover 70-80% of your business requirements. Satisfying the last 20-30% can make or break a project. Accomplishing this takes experience, creativity and a deep understanding of the inner workings of your operation. Establishing a team that includes the implementation partner is critical from the outset of the project and is best when it stretches back into your selection process. Don’t just focus on the features and functionality of the software when making your decision. In weighing and valuing options, consider the strengths and fit of the implementation partner as it impacts the overall project. Cloudsuite Industrial (SyteLine) software is built to be personalized and customized as well as or better than any other ERP solution in the industry. Select an implementation partner that will personalize your software to optimally fit your operation.