Summary: Buying and implementing ERP software can seem like a monumental task for many businesses. With these seven quick tips, you can simplify the processes, and get the most out of your ERP software.

Maximize the Value of Your ERP Software

The process of purchasing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can be a complex one, particularly for companies who have never engaged in a project of this scale or scope before. Here are some quick tips to help you find the best solution to meet your needs, and maximize the value of your ERP software.

1. Build a complete requirements list.
Outlining the objectives you are trying to achieve or the issues you are trying to solve, and identifying the key stakeholders and their requirements will help you best determine what ERP software features you really need. 

You should also define your project’s critical success factors, as well as any pending business strategies that may impact your back office operations, and ultimately, your ERP software environment. 

2. Find the right vendors.
You’re going to need to talk to several ERP software vendors before you can narrow down the “short list” of ones that can best meet your needs. 

Conduct a thorough interview of each vendor by asking about their background and history (this is particularly important with ERP companies, since most have been involved in some type of consolidation or acquisition in the past few years), and the features and capabilities of their ERP software applications. 

You can also ask for a live demonstration, so you can see the solutions in action, and request to speak to existing customers to get their opinions of the company and its offerings. 

3. Ask for a test drive.
If you really want to get a feel for how an ERP software package will operate, a live demonstration may not be enough.  Ask the vendor to let you trial the application for 60 to 90 days. Although this won’t completely guarantee success, it can certainly help you make a more accurate assessment of whether or not the solution can truly meet your needs. 

4. Negotiate like a pro.
Enterprise technology negotiations have become increasingly sophisticated, and ERP software is no exception.  You’ll get the most value for your money by following these sure-fire negotiating tips.

• Use the standard discounted price, not the list price, to begin your negotiations. 
• Keep working with other ERP software vendors, and let your sales rep know that price will be a huge factor in your final decision.
• Don’t take free stuff you don’t need – such as additional features or modules – in lieu for a discount.
• Vendors are desperate for references, and will pay dearly for them. Agreeing to serve as a reference can net you significant savings. 
• Don’t forget about implementation, consulting, training, and maintenance costs, as there may be opportunities for discounts there as well. 

5. Define your implementation strategy in advance.
Map out your existing workflows, and determine how you want the ERP software to impact them, before you implement and customize your new solution. 

Additionally, make sure your IT team creates a diagram of your existing technology environment, and illustrates where the new ERP applications will be integrated. 

You’ll also need to decide how you want to deploy your applications.  Since ERP software affects so many back-office functions, the “all at once” approach may create far too many disruptions. 

6. Get your users to actually use it. 
User adoption is crucial to your ability to derive true value from your ERP software. Involve both departmental management and end users at every step of the process, so they embrace the project from the start.  By soliciting their ongoing feedback, you can make them feel as though they have a vested interest in seeing the initiative succeed. 
 
7. Measure the results.
Clearly define measurable goals at the outset of your ERP initiative, and monitor the results continuously. This will allow you to identify and correct any problems, so you can ensure ongoing success with your ERP software.