ERP dos and don`ts

THINK LONG-TERM

Do: Find an ERP system that grows with the company and business plan. To understand what the next 10 years will bring, look at the last 10 years and double the rate of change.

Don`t: Go for rigid decision-making that lacks flexibility to adapt to change.

PROVEN SOLUTION

Do: Select a solution that is proven - it works and adds value - while supporting business growth, new operating methods, market expansion and strategies of the future.

Don`t: Implement "vanilla" systems. The best systems include capabilities that are essential for manufacturers looking for new ways to be more competitive.

REPLACEMENT KNOW-HOW

Do: Look for the vendor that has replaced all types of systems, from those for the largest fortune 500 companies, to the mid-sized and the small manufacturers with both single and multiple packages.

Don`t: Choose a "we do everything" vendor. When ERP is practically all a vendor does, it is a better choice than one with divided, unfocused interests and business units vying for resources.

ELIMINATE GUESSWORK

Do: Consider the length of time the implementation takes and the amount of business change and value delivered - the success of your new ERP system depends on those.

Don`t: Rely solely on implementation time as a factor to success. While the speed of setting up an ERP system is key, it is not the only factor that determines the success of the implementation.

ERP SYSTEMS ARE NOT `ONE SIZE FITS ALL`

Do: Keep in mind the five key elements of an ERP solution`s design that gives it the ability to be tailor-made to your organisation: execution of the implementation roadmaps, system settings, tools to customise your system, advanced technologies and portals.

Don`t: Use a "cookie cutter" approach to setting up your system. No two businesses are alike.

EXPERTISE

Do: Look closer to verify that the software provider maintains a highly skilled workforce and industry experienced owner-managers that assure their long-term ability to serve your company into the future.

Don`t: Skimp on expertise - the weakest link in IT implementations is consulting expertise, so make sure a vendor`s staff understand your industry.

A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO TECHNOLOGY

Do: Remember in the long run, IT will not keep you in business. It is what is happening on the manufacturing floor, in customer service, and out in sales, that pay the bills and turn the profits.

Don`t: Rely solely on the technology to determine the success of your ERP solution. Although technology is clearly an important influencing factor in any ERP selection process, history continues to show that some of the best ERP results occur when technology specifications are determined by what is required to support critical business needs.

BE SCALABLE

Do: Note that if this is to be your last ERP system replacement, investment protection should be the cornerstone of your provider`s product development strategy.

Don`t: Forget potential software limitations. Check to be sure there are no limitations on the software`s ability to accommodate small and mid-sized high growth companies or large (fortune 500) corporations with multiple divisions.

KNOW YOUR ERP VENDOR

Do: Look for a comprehensive support programme. This total support package is designed to provide you with the in-depth product knowledge and skills you need to learn how to use the system most effectively in your unique environment.

Don`t: Look at just the solution. Often, manufacturers do not get to know the people and culture of their ERP supplier before making the selection decision.