ERP Selection Methodology Matters

When It Comes to ERP Selection, Does the Method Matter?

An effective ERP selection methodology must be more than a focus on technology. The methodology
should focus on improving overall business processes, which in turn leads a manufacturer to increases
in productivity, information timeliness and accuracy, customer satisfaction and business performance.
ERP Selection Methodology Defined The concept of "ERP selection methodology" refers to a specific
set of tasks and activities that make the entire ERP selection project more efficient.
The methodology should shorten the project duration. The methodology should also incorporate tactics
to increase user acceptance. With a focused selection method, the manufacturer becomes more
effective, the ERP vendor becomes more efficient, and the process builds a foundation of information,
education, and documentation that will increases the client's project success.
Methodology Best Practices Have found that a business process evaluation methodology is most
effective when evaluating ERP vendors.
This best practice integrates ERP selection with business process improvement, implementation and
Business Intelligence (BI) requirements. Fully integrating these areas makes ERP project teams more
efficient and reduces overall "time to benefit".
The ERP selection methodology should put the emphasis on business process definition (both
current state and future state) to drive the evaluation project.

After looking closely at the business process, the team can then move to identifying the vendors that
best fit and meet the required ERP selection criteria addressing the companys specific industry.
Methodology Tasks

Activities that are part of a best practice approach to ERP Selection Methodology include evaluating:
Software functional fit to the future state business process needs
Vendors presence and strength in the manufacturers industry
Vendors technology direction
Vendors support ecosystem
Total cost of ownership

The methodology should deliver the following:

Identification of vendors
A vendor interview process
Development of "evaluation drivers"
Decision criteria table
Process driven demonstration scripts
A vendor product presentation and evaluation process
Evaluation vendor implementation capabilities
Vendor price and contract negotiations

Final Thoughts
As we have noted before, an ERP selection project is a key component to a successful ERP
implementation. Very often, implementation projects that fail to attain expectations can be traced back
to poorly executed ERP selection projects. Thats why it is important to remember that manufacturers
gain value when there is a careful approach to ERP selection methodology.
FACTS Computer Software House was founded in 2002 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It has grown
to become a world-leading provider of ERP, HR & Payroll, Integrated Business Management Softwares,
Warehouse Management Software, ecommerce Software Solutions and many more customized software
solutions which has a remarkable local presence in Dubai and the Middle-east region.
Having many global success stories in the past 14 years, we partner with our clients to simplify the pain
areas in their daily operation and to improve/streamline their processes.
With standard & proven best practices with specific in-depth industry experience and knowledge, we are
always looking to adopt innovative ways to turn ideas into real products. This innovative approach
makes FACTS the best ERP and HR & Payroll Software Company in Dubai, UAE.