05
NOV 2020
The ERP system is a platform that should not be missing from any company. More and more companies are choosing this business management tool, due to the advantages that software brings. Minimizing costs, increasing productivity, eliminating human error, high security, large document storage space, automating all repetitive operations are just some of the advantages of using an ERP system.
However, for maximum benefits, the ERP system needs to be tailored to your needs. From this point of view, not all suppliers will deliver a complete ERP software that meets all your requirements. Therefore, you need to choose carefully who you buy an ERP system from and what facilities it offers you. Here's how to choose your ERP provider.
Determine your needs
First of all, it is important to identify the disadvantages of your company. Analyze how it currently works. Where do you need to intervene and from what points of view, so that the work process is improved? Discuss with all departments in one meeting and find out what your employees' problems are. Also, ask them for their opinion on how you could solve these problems with the help of artificial intelligence. What are the features that would help them? Pay attention, including, to the small details. For example, sending notifications or emails to customers is not a complex operation, but its automation can be very helpful in streamlining operations.
The ERP system can help you in different ways, thanks to the modules it integrates - accounting, customer relations, invoicing, payroll, inventory management, etc. Find out about this system and find out what applications can help you improve your business. Remember that you can customize your ERP system according to your needs.
Determine the budget
Once you've determined where you have to work with your business, think about the financial side. How much money are you willing to give for such software? There are several types of ERP systems, and the investment differs depending on each type, but also on each provider.
If you choose an ERP system in the cloud, the costs are lower. Usually, the provider provides maintenance services and you do not need storage devices, only internet connection. If you choose an on-premise ERP system, the investment is much higher, because you are the "host" of the software. For on-premise software, you need specialists to implement and maintain it. Expenditure on hardware and the purchase of servers is also required.
Filter providers
The perfect supplier for your business must be selected according to certain criteria that interest you.
Assistance
Technical support is a very important aspect when it comes to choosing a supplier. Is there a warranty period? Is the provider willing to provide you with maintenance services or should you consider hiring specialists? Are you offered quick solutions to the problems you encounter? These are all aspects that you need to keep in mind when choosing an ERP provider. Poor technical support from the supplier will cause you organizational problems.
Training
The next criterion you need to consider is training. Find out if the provider offers training to employees or if you need to do it yourself. You need training for both installation and use, especially for on-premise ERP systems. Cloud systems are easier to use and do not require special training.
Reputation
The opinion of other users matters. The experiences of other companies with that provider can convince you to choose it or can create doubts about it. Research customer reviews and find out if they include large companies.
Cost
Cost is an important criterion when choosing your supplier. Once you have established your budget, find out if the price offered by the supplier falls within it.
Solutions
The ERP solutions or modules within the ERP software offered by the vendor matter a lot to your business. Once you have determined what functions you want the software to perform and which departments to contact, find out if the provider offers you these functions. Are the solutions offered by the supplier suitable for your business? You also need to know if the provider allows you to customize the modules.
Accessibility
Can the software be used on any device, including mobile? Currently, flexibility is a key issue for ERP systems. You also need to be informed about the maximum number of users who can access the software simultaneously.
Characteristics
The distinction is made by analyzing some characteristics, among which:
However, for maximum benefits, the ERP system needs to be tailored to your needs. From this point of view, not all suppliers will deliver a complete ERP software that meets all your requirements. Therefore, you need to choose carefully who you buy an ERP system from and what facilities it offers you. Here's how to choose your ERP provider.
Determine your needs
First of all, it is important to identify the disadvantages of your company. Analyze how it currently works. Where do you need to intervene and from what points of view, so that the work process is improved? Discuss with all departments in one meeting and find out what your employees' problems are. Also, ask them for their opinion on how you could solve these problems with the help of artificial intelligence. What are the features that would help them? Pay attention, including, to the small details. For example, sending notifications or emails to customers is not a complex operation, but its automation can be very helpful in streamlining operations.
The ERP system can help you in different ways, thanks to the modules it integrates - accounting, customer relations, invoicing, payroll, inventory management, etc. Find out about this system and find out what applications can help you improve your business. Remember that you can customize your ERP system according to your needs.
Determine the budget
Once you've determined where you have to work with your business, think about the financial side. How much money are you willing to give for such software? There are several types of ERP systems, and the investment differs depending on each type, but also on each provider.
If you choose an ERP system in the cloud, the costs are lower. Usually, the provider provides maintenance services and you do not need storage devices, only internet connection. If you choose an on-premise ERP system, the investment is much higher, because you are the "host" of the software. For on-premise software, you need specialists to implement and maintain it. Expenditure on hardware and the purchase of servers is also required.
Filter providers
The perfect supplier for your business must be selected according to certain criteria that interest you.
Assistance
Technical support is a very important aspect when it comes to choosing a supplier. Is there a warranty period? Is the provider willing to provide you with maintenance services or should you consider hiring specialists? Are you offered quick solutions to the problems you encounter? These are all aspects that you need to keep in mind when choosing an ERP provider. Poor technical support from the supplier will cause you organizational problems.
Training
The next criterion you need to consider is training. Find out if the provider offers training to employees or if you need to do it yourself. You need training for both installation and use, especially for on-premise ERP systems. Cloud systems are easier to use and do not require special training.
Reputation
The opinion of other users matters. The experiences of other companies with that provider can convince you to choose it or can create doubts about it. Research customer reviews and find out if they include large companies.
Cost
Cost is an important criterion when choosing your supplier. Once you have established your budget, find out if the price offered by the supplier falls within it.
Solutions
The ERP solutions or modules within the ERP software offered by the vendor matter a lot to your business. Once you have determined what functions you want the software to perform and which departments to contact, find out if the provider offers you these functions. Are the solutions offered by the supplier suitable for your business? You also need to know if the provider allows you to customize the modules.
Accessibility
Can the software be used on any device, including mobile? Currently, flexibility is a key issue for ERP systems. You also need to be informed about the maximum number of users who can access the software simultaneously.
Characteristics
The distinction is made by analyzing some characteristics, among which:
- How fast can the software provider deliver to me?
- Are updates free?
- Is it easy to use?
- Does it provide analytical reporting tools?
- Does it offer a demo version?
In conclusion, all these aspects must be taken into account when selecting the ERP system provider. If you do not make the right choice, the business may suffer. Research, compare and decide!