Researching and acquiring an ERP software solution can be confusing, especially for companies new to the ERP market. Selecting a new system can be as challenging as shopping for a car: different models, options, configurations, and capabilities. Defining the most important criteria—price, capacity, efficiency, safety—is equally complex. These parallels illustrate the ERP selection process.
Here are three ways to help you find the perfect ERP “car.”
Define Your Current and Future Needs
Just as you wouldn’t buy a two-seat roadster if you plan to start a family, don’t limit your ERP criteria to today’s needs. If you intend to manufacture in the future, choose a solution with strong manufacturing support. If you plan to expand internationally, ensure multi-entity, multi-currency, and multi-language features. Plan for tomorrow, today.
Do Your Homework and Take a Test Drive
Independent resources—government agencies, consumer publications, and testing laboratories—provide objective vehicle reviews. Likewise, IT research firms publish summaries and rankings of ERP/CRM products. Use these reports to inform your search.
Friends and colleagues can share valuable insights, but ultimately you need a “test drive.” Request product demos, explore features, and see the software in action. No matter how much information you gather, a hands-on trial is essential.
Demand Innovation and Good Design
Look for vendors who truly prioritize design and innovation. Your ERP should leverage the latest technology. At Acumatica, our values drive a focus on innovation and empowerment. We deliver cloud ERP and CRM through a global partner network dedicated to creating flexible, modern solutions that help businesses grow.
Innovative software solutions should harness the power and flexibility of cloud computing technology.
Whether you’re evaluating ERP for the first time, adding new capabilities, or replacing legacy on-premise software with a modern cloud platform, we’d love to talk. Better yet, join us at our Summit to meet our team, customers, and partners, experience a “test drive,” and ride into the future with us.
We think you’ll enjoy the ride!
By Ray Rebello, Director of Product Marketing at Acumatica.
3 Ways to Discover the Type of ERP Solution Your Business Needs
