Selecting an ERP Systems

With so many ERP software available in the world today, selecting a best package is an overwhelming task. While many companies feel that any software will work and their organizations will simply confirm the functionality of the software, while failures indicate that this isn't the good way of solution.

So what's the best way to find the ERP solution which stand to be the best fit for your organization?

Here are seven steps to help you choose the right software for your organization:

1. Conducting a process review and analysis: Since ERP is first and foremost for a business , you should first define and document your current business processes, pain points, and strengths. This analysis should also include what you think your processes should flow in the future (your "to-be" state) and the corresponding business requirements. 
2. Evaluate the technical fit: Although ERP should be a business rather than a technology initiative, it's also important to understand how a potential software solution will align with your current infrastructure.
3. Understand the total cost of ownership: During the sales cycle, ERP software sales reps are interested in downplaying the costs and risks associated with purchasing their software. However, it's a lot easier to accept potential costs early in the process rather than after you're already committed to a particular solution.Be sure to uncover "hidden costs" associated with ERP, including implementation costs, hardware upgrades, backfilling your project team resources, software maintenance, etc.
4. Develop a realistic implementation plan: While you're still in the sales cycle, you should take vendor implementation duration estimates with a grain of salt. It's important to develop a comprehensive project plan that includes not just the activities required to install the software, but the ones that are required to ensure that the solution is fully functional, tested, and accepted by end-users. This plan should be developed prior to your final software decision so you fully understand the cost and resource commitments required to make the project a success.
5. Track the potential business benefits of the new system: If you don't measure it, you likely won't achieve it. ERP projects are no different. Chances are your organization is looking at ERP as a way to reduce costs, increase revenue, or scale for growth, and you should estimate and measure benefits against these metrics if you are going to realize the full potential of ERP.
6. Always keep your options open: While this may sound more like dating advice, it's also relevant to choosing an ERP package.Instead, organizations need to consider the options that are going to best meet their unique business requirements and sources of competitive advantage.
7. Look for objective and independent advice: Ask colleagues, employees, and other contacts what they use or recommend for a company like yours. Conduct research on the internet or hire an ERP consultant if necessary.