Selection of ERP Vendor

How to select the ERP Vendor?

1. Set goals and objectives for ERP implementation
2. Appoint an ERP selection team and include key users in the
selection phase
3. Find out which ERP systems are able to be adapted to
company specific requirements
4. Distinguish between must-have and lower priority
functions
5. Concentrate on core functions
6. Talk to several key-users about their experience with the
ERP package
7. Can the software be easily upgraded? Find out costs and
duration of an upgrade?

How to select the ERP Vendor?

8. Is the software able to easily integrate third party solutions?
9. Ask for the vendors company strategy and software
roadmap. Will the ERP vendor still be in business in 5
years?
10. Ask for a live demo using real data and performing typical
tasks
11. User friendliness - How many minutes does it take to
perform typical tasks?
12. How many clicks does it take and how many screens do I
have to open?
13. In the event of international deployment: does the vendor
have proven experience with international projects?

How to select the ERP Vendor?

14. Compare vendors over, at least, a 5 year period
using the TCO table
15. Compare several ERP vendors and their
packages in terms of quality criteria
16. Listen to your gut-feeling

ERP-Implementation Process

ERP-Implementation Process
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Strategic Planning
Procedure Review
Data Collection and Clean-Up
Training and Testing
Go Live and Evaluation

1. STRATEGIC PLANNING
a) Assign a project team.
b) Examine current business processes and
information flow.
c) Set objectives.
d) Develop a project plan.

2. PROCEDURE REVIEW
a) Review software capabilities.
b) Identify manual processes.
c) Develop standard operating procedures.

3. DATA COLLECTION & CLEAN-UP

a)
b)
c)
d)

Convert data.
Collect new data.
Review all data input.
Clean-up data.

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4. TRAINING AND TESTING

a)
b)
c)
d)

Pre-test the database.

Verify testing.
Train the Trainer.
Perform final testing.

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5. GO LIVE AND EVALUATION

a) Develop a final Go-Live Checklist.
b) Evaluate the solution.

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Develop a final Go-Live Checklist.

Sample Final Go Live Countdown Checklist Sample
Physical inventory process is complete.
Beginning balance entry procedures are developed
for all modules.
Any transition issues are addressed.
Documents & modifications are tested thoroughly.
Executives and departments heads are fully trained.
Vendor is available for go-live day.
Users will have assistance during their first live
transactions.