5 Important To-Do’s BEFORE Talking to ERP Vendors

The process of selecting a new ERP solution can be a daunting task and with so many options, features, and vendors to choose from, starting the process can seem overwhelming. In today’s blog, we highlight 5 important to-do’s when started your search for a new ERP system. Taking these steps before calling your first ERP vendor will help your search run smoothly and achieve great results.

1. Partner with an ERP expert

ERP consultants bring a wealth of experience and expertise to your project. A quality consulting firm understands the importance of getting the most from your ERP investment and will be a trusted partner through your selection and implementation process providing proven methodology and industry best practices. They will work with you to identify your needs, outline processes, and match an ERP solution to fit your needs.

2. Gather intel – on yourself

Implementing a new ERP solution transforms your business. It’s easy to get lured in by fancy new technology, but if you don’t know your company, a new ERP solution isn’t going to solve your problems. To be successful, you need to meet with your company leaders to determine your business goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). An ERP solution should help you reach those goals, and defining them in advance will lay the foundation for success. Ask yourselves what needs to change to truly take your business to the next level. Taking time to map out your big picture will help guide decisions down the road.

3. Learn about the problems

In any organizational change, people are going to ask themselves, “What’s in it for me?” If you don’t take the time to include your team in the process, you are more likely to fail because your employees will not see the value. Make sure you take time to interview leaders and team members in all areas of your business. Ask them about their pain points and what would make their day-to-day tasks more efficient and more effective. Then think about how a new ERP solution could make their jobs easier. You can use this information to narrow your ERP search, looking for features that address your needs. Asking for input upfront will also help the internal adoption of your new ERP solution. If users feel their opinions are valued, they are more likely to participate. And, tailoring your new ERP to address important problems will make employees want to adopt the new system. The key is to focus on people and processes, not on technology.

4. Document business process flow

This seems basic, but most companies do not take the time to actually put the details down on paper. Before you implement a new ERP solution, pull out the “tribal knowledge” and create “process knowledge”. That means taking what everyone knows in their heads and putting it down on paper. Once you have interviewed your team, map out how your business flows, how processes are completed, and how products are made. This not only allows your team to see how things flow and work, it becomes invaluable when you begin your implementation.

5. Make a wish list

Before selecting an ERP solution, you need to know what features and functionality your business needs. Use the information you gathered and the pain points you discovered to lay out a plan that addresses those issues. Examine your business process flow and look for ways to improve, streamline, and automate. Develop a set of requirements in each business area and use them to guide your search for a new ERP solution.

Now you are ready to talk with ERP vendors. Armed with your list of requirements, you can begin to look at ERP solutions and quickly narrow your focus to solutions that will meet your needs and truly transform your business.

If you would like to find out how Revolution Group can you tackle your 5 important to-do’s and has been a trusted ERP consulting partner for 20 years, call us at 614-212-1111. We would love to change the way you think about ERP.