When purchasing new ERP software, you don't take any chances. After all, it is a substantial investment with a significant impact on your business operations. If you make the right choice, you will work more efficiently and profitably. Make the wrong choice and, in the worst case, it could mean the end of your business. The focus in the selection process is often on the software functionalities and processes, but what remains underexposed is CONTINUITY. While it is crucial to look not only at the present, but also at what is the best choice for the future!
Continuity of the system
You want a software package that not only meets your needs now, but which will also be the best choice in the future. Keep in mind:
- Technology: A system based on outdated technology can get you into trouble in the future. There may be limitations in capabilities and/or it may jeopardize your organization. For example, think about speed, interfaces, electronic payments, security, reliability, etc.
- Basis of the system: Is the system fundamentally user-friendly, modern and comprehensive in its capabilities? Or was it screwed together by a whizzkid somewhere in an attic room?
- Addition by partner: What functionalities and capabilities has your ERP partner added? It is important that this matches what your organization needs.
Continuity of partner
The survival of the partner is just as important. In this regard, look at:
- Customer base: How many organizations are working with the same package? And are these organizations in the same industry as your organization?
- Financial figures: How is your ERP vendor performing in recent years? There are plenty of financial figures to be found or requested that will give you a good idea of the ERP partner's financial well-being.
- Focus: Does your ERP vendor shoot indiscriminately at all the companies around it or is there a clear specialization in one or a few industries? Only the latter strategy is profitable in the long run.
And should the partner go under, is the source code of the software safely housed with an escrow party?
Of course, the continuity of your ERP system and ERP partner is out of your control, but there are certainly some indicators you can watch out for. This will cost you little effort and can save you a lot of trouble.
Philip van Kemenade is a marketer at Dysel and has daily contact with end users of software.
