Enterprise resource planning solutions are becoming increasingly important for today’s businesses. Companies of all sizes and in every industry can benefit from the many features these systems have to offer. From helping businesses automate repetitive tasks to streamlining their collaborative efforts, ERPs can provide a wealth of benefits. With so many ERPs available at this point, though, choosing the right one isn’t an easy feat.
Building an ERP Requirements Checklist
Several considerations should go into determining which ERP solution would best meet your company’s needs. With so many factors in play, it’s easy for certain details to get lost in the mix or altogether left out. Because of that, it’s best to create a comprehensive checklist of ERP requirements before investigating the available options. Using a template for an ERP requirements checklist can certainly be helpful. In the meantime, take a look at some of the key steps and considerations that should be included in the selection process.
Define Objectives
First off, it’s important to define your company’s goals for implementing an ERP solution. What problems are you looking to solve? Which improvements would you like to make? Everyone who will be affected by the implementation should be involved in this process, including managers from the company’s finance, human resources, and production departments among other key players.
Explore Current Workflows
From there, analyze the business’s current processes and workflows. This will aid in identifying areas where an ERP system can be most useful. Which gaps are your existing systems and software leaving in your daily operations? Are there areas where efficiency and productivity seem to be floundering? Considerations like those will help you proceed with your ERP requirements checklist.
Determine Must-Have Features
After identifying where your current systems are falling short, you’ll be better equipped to determine which ERP features are most important to the business. Examine this on a department-by-department basis as well as from a holistic perspective. This will help you find an ERP solution that benefits each department individually and helps to bridge gaps between them.
Integration, Customization, and Scalability
With your objectives and must-have features in place, start thinking about integration. Which ERPs are compatible with other systems and applications you already have in place, like CRM and accounting software or an e-commerce platform? Smooth integration is essential for making the most of an ERP solution. Keep customization and scalability in mind as well. A system that can be tailored to your company’s specific needs and scaled up or down as needed will foster efficiency, cost savings, growth potential, and many other aspects.
Additional Factors to Consider
Beyond those points, you’ll need to consider several other details. Look for user-friendly ERPs to foster user adoption and reduce training time. Do you want an on-premise or cloud-based system? Examine different solutions’ reporting and analytics capabilities. Determine whether you need an ERP solution with mobile accessibility If your company is subject to industry-specific regulations or compliance requirements, choose an ERP system that can support them. Other factors could also come into play depending on your company’s distinct needs.
Choosing an ERP to Bolster Your Business
Numerous factors should be considered when choosing an ERP solution. Creating a comprehensive checklist can help ensure no important details are overlooked. Keep in mind, no two companies’ needs are the same, so your checklist will be unique to your business. With your goals clearly defined and all your must-have features in place, you’ll be well-equipped to choose an ERP solution that can bolster your business both now and in the future.
