RSMUS.com- Identify your key stakeholders and include them throughout the selection process. Embarking on this journey alone can be treacherous. Not everyone will support the initiative, and in some cases may prove to be roadblocks to the process. Reach out to the leaders in the specific parts of the organization that will be impacted by a new system (e.g. sales, finance, IT, operations, etc.) early on. All groups must feel as if they have a voice in the system selection; you will need their support and resources during the implementation. Create a strategic steering committee comprised of these key stakeholders to ensure that they have “skin in the game” not only during the selection but also throughout the duration of the implementation project lifecycle.
- Create a set of key business requirements that the system should meet. Before you sit through your first system demo, work with your key stakeholders to develop a list of requirements that any new system must fulfill in order to achieve success. Many times, organizations enter into system demos and make decisions based on bells and whistles or the “wow” factor. Instead, utilize this list of requirements to accurately “score” each system. This will level the playing field and enable you to make an educated decision on which application is best suited for your organization. Also, ask yourself where the organization will be in five years and make assumptions based on that strategic plan to ensure that you are looking to the future as you begin preparing for the system implementation. Many organizations simply try and replicate what they have in place today without looking to introduce best practices or more streamlined processes for long term improvements.
- Identify a short list of packages/technologies that will meet your requirements. Is a “cloud” or “on-premise” system better for you? You may already have a cloud strategy in place at your organization, and you should be sure to pull in the appropriate stakeholders to discuss the approach further. In addition, it’s important to consider the scope and breadth of the various ERP packages in the market to determine which ones might be the best fit given your industry and core business processes. Inquire with other peer organizations to understand what systems they have either evaluated or implemented recently. Take note of any specific third-party tools that similar companies are using in addition to the core ERP system. Include this information in any implementation estimates for ongoing software costs.
- Ensure that you meet the implementation partner with whom you will be working. Many software vendors will offer their own professional services organization and others will work with a sales channel of value-added resellers (VAR) to implement the software. Be sure you understand the implementation approach that each package offers. Will it be locally-based, or will the team need to fly in for the project? Does the vendor provide on-site implementation services or is it all done remotely? It’s critical to balance the pros and cons of each implementation model with the culture and work style of your organization. If possible, meet the individuals that will be staffing the implementation – and make sure you are comfortable with the level of expertise and personal fit of each team member. Lastly, ask how the application is supported after go-live. How will you receive help down the road? Remember, this will be the team that will drive you through the application and go-live process and will continue to support you in the years to come as you continually optimize your system.
- What is the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the solution? Before you sign on the dotted line, create and socialize the three-year total cost of the solution. This will include implementation services, software, hardware, annual maintenance fees, upgrade fees, and internal resource costs. Don’t forget consideration for ongoing projects that will allow the system to evolve with your business needs.
To learn more about selecting the right ERP solution for your organization, Contact RSM at erp@rsmus.com or by phone at 855.437.7202.
By: Chris Goguen – Boston NetSuite Solution Provider
