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