The DOs and DON'Ts of buying ERP software

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a powerful tool that many businesses rely on to streamline their processes, integrate their data, and automate their workflows.

In today’s business world, there’s a multitude of platforms to choose from to suit a variety of needs, industries, and business sizes. And with so much choice, knowing which solution is the best fit for you and your business is no easy feat.

Purchasing ERP software is not a simple decision - it requires careful planning, research, and evaluation. You need to find the best fit for your business needs, budget, and goals.

In this blog, we share the DOs and DON'Ts of buying ERP software, based on our experience and expertise in the field.

DOs

• DO focus on your industry and company-specific requirements

Out-of-the-box functionality varies from solution to solution, as do available customisations. It’s important to choose a system that can cater to your industry, company size, and unique needs to avoid expensive customisations and project delays.

• DO adopt the system’s out-of-the-box processes

For a faster, cheaper implementation and ongoing maintenance, adopt your ERP's out-of-the-box processes and leverage the best practices and industry standards that have been built into the system by the vendor. In doing this, you also benefit from the regular updates and enhancements that the vendor provides, without worrying about compatibility issues or breaking your custom code.

• DO promote change management

By promoting change management, you can ensure that your users are trained and ready to use the new system and processes, and that they understand the benefits and value of the change. Change management can also help you overcome resistance and foster a positive attitude towards the new ERP system.

DON'Ts

• DON'T focus on standard ERP functionality

Standard ERP functionality, such as general ledger, AR, AP, and approval workflows are standard features of ERP solutions. If you're considering a Tier 1 or Tier 2 ERP, the standard functionality will be more or less the same! Instead, consider the added-value functionality for your business and industry.

• DON'T bend the system to fit your antiquated basic end-to-end processes

One of the main benefits of ERP systems is that they can streamline and optimise your business processes, making them more efficient and effective. Bending the system to fit your antiquated basic end-to-end processes means that you are missing out on this opportunity and wasting your investment. Instead of trying to replicate your old ways of doing things, you should aim to leverage the best practices and innovations that the ERP system offers to enable you to transform your business processes and gain a competitive edge in your market.

• DON'T forget to find and evaluate the right ERP implementation partner 

Finding the right partner that specialises in implementing your chosen ERP system is crucial for a successful project implementation and a lasting partnership. What’s more, added services and add-on functionalities and integrations vary from partner to partner, so it’s imperative that you find a partner with a proven methodology for your industry that also aligns with your company’s culture.

ERP systems can offer significant benefits to your business, but only if you implement them correctly and avoid the common pitfalls that many companies fall into. By following these DOs and DON’Ts, you can ensure that your ERP project is successful and delivers the expected value and return on investment. 

Remember: ERP implementation is not a one-time event. It is a continuous journey of improvement and adaptation, which is why choosing the right solution for you and your business, as well as a partner that can support your long-term goals and growth, is paramount.