Independent ERP and Lean & Operational Excellence Consultants

If you ask any knowledgeable buyer for the most important characteristic of a ‘retail’ ERP system, their response is more than likely to be speed. Speed is indeed fundamental but you will need to think seriously about the functionality also. Not all ERP systems will have the right functionality and, certainly, not all ERP systems will have the right functionality at the requisite speed.  

So, the big decision has been made. The company is going to purchase an ERP system. You have got the backing of the MD, the CFO and the majority of the Board (there is always one!). All you have to do is “install it”. There are no more big decisions and no need to keep bothering the executives with any more big decisions on this matter, Right? Actually, the process has just started and there are a multitude of big decisions to make and you will certainly need the support of the executives in one crucial choice: Do you change some or all of the business processes to accommodate the new software or do you modify the software to fit the existing company processes?

One of the critical success factors in ERP system selection is the insistence of the organisation on a focused demonstration of the ERP system prior to the evaluation of a preferred vendor.

Who makes the decision to choose an ERP System - the IT Department or the Finance Department?  How do you ensure the correct system is purchased that best suits the individual organisation?