| ERP Software (Enterprise Resource Planning) often | | | | * Made-2-Manage |
| leads people to a lot of confusion. Which software is | | | | * Microsoft Dynamics GP |
| best and which ERP software will be the easiest to | | | | * Intuitive Software |
| implement. The key to selecting ERP software | | | | * Global Shop |
| systems is to understand your own requirements first. | | | | * DBA Software |
| Document your specific requirements of what the | | | | * Epicor Vista |
| ERP software should do for you. Do not only make a | | | | Once you have narrowed down your criteria to which |
| wish list, but include the things your current software | | | | tier you fit into and then you can start investigating the |
| does right. Many times people make the mistakes of | | | | focus niches of each of these systems. From that you |
| selecting systems on what their system doesn't do | | | | can then compare your specific requirements to the |
| currently, but then come to find out, all the things that | | | | functionality of each of the targeted the ERP systems. |
| the old system did well, the new ERP software does | | | | The selection process should be deliberate and there |
| not do. Be comprehensive. | | | | are many pitfalls. |
| Next look at your business and determine the broader | | | | Once you have a few ERP vendors that you are |
| category of what you do. Are you a discrete | | | | working with, you can then narrow it down to the 2 or |
| manufacturer, a process manufacturer (using formulas | | | | 3 based on requirements to have them show you the |
| or recipes), or are you a service based company? Is | | | | system in detail. This detailed system review should be |
| your company heavily retail with Point of Sale needs? | | | | done completely based on the requirements and |
| ERP software is segmented by the various niches | | | | should show the daily processing of your business |
| that a company can fall into. This makes it easier to | | | | processes. Don't forget too that you are also looking |
| narrow down the field of software to look at. Be sure | | | | at a vendor with whom you can work for the next |
| to look at the size in sales and see what Tier of ERP | | | | few years. It is like a marriage and so you want to |
| software you might fit into. Tier 1 is for larger | | | | make sure that the partner you are selecting is one |
| multinationals or companies with many diverse | | | | you can live with. |
| business units. Tier 2 is for the companies with one to | | | | When you finally select the system, ensure that you |
| many branches doing similar things. Tier 3 looks at | | | | do reference checks. The ERP software vendors will |
| smaller single site companies that do not have very | | | | always give you favorable clients to contact. But |
| complex processes. | | | | remember that often what is unsaid is more important |
| For example. If you are work for a company with four | | | | than what is said. If you visit the references, be sure to |
| manufacturing facilities, all making roughly the same | | | | watch transactions being entered. Try to see how the |
| sort of products, and your revenues are are under | | | | people are using the system. Learn from their |
| $250 million dollars, then you are a good candidate for | | | | mistakes too! Find out what went right and wrong |
| a Tier 2 ERP software. The following is a sample list | | | | during their implementations. Often these lessons |
| of some main ERP software vendors: (There is a | | | | learned will help you in your implementation. |
| more comprehensive list at | | | | In summary, ERP Software is very complex and |
| Tier 1 ERP Software | | | | requires more time and diligence than people realize. |
| * SAP | | | | When selecting, it can be overwhelming. As such, a |
| * Oracle | | | | third party may be able to assist you. Take a look at |
| * JD Edwards | | | | consultants who are unbiased and specialize in helping |
| Tier 2 ERP Software | | | | companies select systems. But if you choose to do it |
| * SSA ERP LN | | | | on your own, make sure that you have your baseline |
| * Epicor Vantage | | | | of requirements to lead you through. Focus on the |
| * QAD | | | | business process and the business needs, not only on |
| * IFS | | | | the look and feel of the software. If you keep coming |
| * IBS | | | | back to the requirements, you will ultimately see which |
| * Microsoft Dynamics AX (or NV) | | | | ERP Software works for you. |
| Tier 3 ERP Software | | | | |