ERP System

Introduction

You are in the market for an ERP system and you have received proposals from two vendors. One proposal is for a low-cost system with limited features, while the other proposal is for a more comprehensive system that is higher in cost. How do you decide which ERP to choose?

Perhaps the most important factor to consider when making this decision is your business’ needs. What are the specific features that your business requires in an ERP system? The most comprehensive system in the world will not be of much use if it does not include the features that your business needs.

Another factor to consider is the cost of the system. How much can you afford to spend on an ERP system? Keep in mind that you will also need to pay for licenses, support, and updates. Make sure you budget enough money to cover these costs.

Finally, you will need to create a project plan (BRD) and timeline for implementing the ERP system. This document will outline all of the steps required to implement the system, as well as who is responsible for each step. It is important to have a clear plan and timeline for implementing an ERP system, or else the project may drag on for months or even years.

What Is an ERP System and Why Do You Need It?

ERP stands for enterprise resource planning, and it’s a type of business software that helps companies manage their operations. It can do everything from tracking inventory and sales to managing payroll and creating purchase orders. In other words, it’s a one-stop-shop for all your business needs.

That’s why you need an ERP system: because it can automate all of the processes that are critical to your company’s success. It can take the load off of your employees’ shoulders, so they can focus on more important tasks. It can also save you time and money by helping you pick the right products and negotiate better license costs.

So how do you go about choosing the right ERP system for your business? That’s where we come in.

Types of ERP Systems

There are three primary types of ERP systems: on-premise, cloud-based and hybrids. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that will work best for your business.

On-premise ERP systems require you to install software and hardware on your own premises. This gives you more control over the system, but it can be expensive to set up and maintain. Cloud-based ERP systems are hosted by the provider, which means you don’t have to worry about maintaining the system or upgrading the software. This can be a cost-effective option, but you may not have as much control over the system as you would with an on-premise system.

Hybrid ERP systems combine the best features of both on-premise and cloud-based systems. They’re hosted by the provider, but you can also install the software on your own premises if you want more control over the system.

Negotiating ERP License Costs

Now that you know what an ERP system is and what it can do for your business, it’s time to start negotiating the license costs.

Remember, the goal is to get the best system for your money. So don’t be afraid to negotiate. And don’t be shy about asking for a discount. The vendor wants your business and is likely to give you a break on the license costs if they think it will close the deal.

Just be sure to have a solid plan in place before you start negotiations. That way, you can make an informed decision about which system is best for your company—and ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal.

Crafting an ERP Business Requirements Document (BRD)

Before you take the plunge, you’ll need to define your requirements and create a Business Requirements Document (BRD). This document will help you clearly map out long-term goals, understand the limitations of your current system, and ensure that there is consensus across all stakeholders on what needs to be accomplished.

You may find that it’s helpful to involve key stakeholders in this process. Having input from a variety of perspectives helps ensure that all needs and objectives are taken into consideration before committing to a software solution.

Your BRD should include information on the scope of the project, timelines for implementation and any specific features or functionalities you’re looking for. Additionally, it should detail your desired outcomes, provide a list of potential vendors, and set out anticipated budget constraints. Having a complete BRD will help provide clarity for both you and the ERP vendor during negotiations.

Automating Processes With an ERP

Automating your processes with an ERP is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an ERP system. Automation will help you streamline tasks and save time, meaning less manual work and money spent.

The main advantage of automating processes is that the system can handle complex tasks with ease and accuracy. This will allow you to reduce errors and improve efficiency, as well as improve customer satisfaction by providing a faster service. You can also use automation for things like inventory management and sales forecasts for better decision-making.

Another great thing about automating processes with an ERP is that it’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs, giving you maximum flexibility. So whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, implementing an ERP can help you automate processes quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

So, with all this in mind, what should you do when it comes time to pick an ERP? Do your research!

Talk to other businesses who have implemented ERPs and get their feedback.

Compare different ERP systems and their pricing.

Create a BRD (business requirements document) and send it to the ERP vendors you are considering.

Make sure you automate your business processes as much as possible before you go live with your ERP.