Selecting a software solution for any business can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Therefore, when your business decides they are in need of one, it is important to understand the necessary planning steps to ensure the procurement process runs as smoothly as possible. In this blog, with information taken from CIO Magazine articles, we discuss what to consider when searching for an ERP solution for your business.

System Requirements

ERP systems typically operate across many departments. It is imperative that those involved with the procurement process consult everyone who will be using the system, from end users to senior managers. Once a list of requirements is established, you can start prioritising them. This will help evaluate and rank potential ERP systems later, based on functionality.

Company Goals

Along with establishing system requirements, it is important to keep in mind how your company envisions this new ERP system will help achieve company goals. Whether it is to improve system efficiencies, or to help your business branch into new markets, it is important to know how an ERP system will help achieve these short and long-term goals.

System Integration

Since ERP systems are a core component of business system structures, it is important to consider how the new ERP system will affect other systems currently in use – either in a negative or positive/complementary way.

Ones that are unable to integrate with systems currently in use could lead to unnecessary costs and problems, dwarfing any benefits the ERP system can provide. More often than not however, integration problems aren’t a massive issue – Someone has likely encountered a problem before, and a solution to it has been designed and can be implemented.

Training

Before selecting an ERP system, it is important to understand the scale of training that your business will require. Frequently, businesses end up underestimating the cost and importance of training, leading to a lack of resources necessary to carry out training so that the system can be used to its full potential upon implementation. With True Sky, we offer training courses, webinars, tips and tricks and other support resources upon implementation.

References

Customer reviews and references play a big part in many different buying decisions, whether for personal or business purposes, and this should be no different when your company is looking for a new ERP system solution. Volume and quality of reviews is important, but you should also seek out references from businesses that work in the same or similar industry as yours.

Budget

For most businesses, the overall cost of the system and implementation rank quite high when making a final purchase decision. However, it is important to ensure you choose the right system, not necessarily the cheapest one. In the long run, it can be beneficial for your company to choose a more expensive, but well-tailored solution. If you opt for a cheaper system, it may be inexpensive in the short run, but will require more customisation and training for it to be suitable for your business needs in the long run.

Every organization has different needs and requirements, and implementing an ERP solution can help companies in a variety of different ways. True Sky integrates with many different systems, and simplifies the budgeting, planning and forecasting process for organizations across many different industries. Contact us today to find out how we can help you! Call 1 855 878 3759 or visit www.truesky.com.