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How To Build a Healthy Relationship with Your ERP Software Partner

How To Build a Healthy Relationship with Your ERP Software Partner

The process of shopping for and implementing an ERP system involves much more than just choosing a vendor. You also need to choose an implementation partner, and this is an important relationship. This article from MS Dynamics World gave some great tips on how to have a healthy relationship with this type of partner, using Microsoft Dynamics ERP (Dynamics GP, NAV, SL, or AX) as the example.

But the same holds true with any ERP software partner you choose. This partner will help you with implementation, support, training, add-ons, and much more. In many cases, that partner will be your lifeline, and you will often turn to that partner first before going directly to the software vendor (such as Microsoft).

Advantages of an ERP Partner

The advantage of working with a partner is clear. You get that personalized one-on-one interaction that simply would not be possible otherwise. Therefore, your relationship with your Microsoft partner needs to be stable, have open communication, and be productive.

The best thing you can do for yourself is choose a Microsoft partner before you purchase your ERP system. Your partner can help you make some of the big decisions that could dramatically affect the course of your business over the next several years. For that you need to make sure you choose a partner you can trust, one that will be reliable and there for you in a crisis.

When problems arise with your Microsoft partner, it is likely a communication issue. If you communicate well, you can usually work through any problems. Always keep in mind that you can never over-communicate. It never hurts to take an extra step and call after you have emailed, for example. By keeping the channels of communication open, you can get the most out of your relationship with your Microsoft partner.

Your partner should give you feedback and help you through your implementation and day-to-day process. In return, you should give feedback to your partner to let them know everything is going well. This will help you build a healthy relationship with your Microsoft partner and help you get the most out of your Microsoft Dynamics ERP system.

Want more information on ERP software? Discover and learn more about enterprise resource planning software by exploring blog posts, white papers and more at our ERP research center. For comparisons of the best ERP solutions on the market, download Business-Software.com’s Top 20 ERP Software report.

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Anya Ciecierski

Director of Marketing, CAL Business Solutions
Dynamics ERP, Blogging, Marketing
Anya Ciecierski has worked in sales/marketing in the Microsoft Dynamics channel for 12 years, and is currently the Director of Marketing at CAL Business Solutions, a Connecticut-based Microsoft Dynamics® GP Partner. She is also the co-founder of www.erpsoftwareblog.com and www.crmsoftwareblog.com.