Are you looking to implement an ERP solution? The right questions to ask your client

This blog talks about the questions your should answer to your service provider while looking for the right ERP Implementation solution. It will help your solution provider to suggest you the right option.

Introduction

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software is a business management system meant to assist firms in managing multiple important components of their business, including accounting, customer relationship management (CRM) and procurement. An ERP implementation’s primary goal is to streamline operations through an intuitive user interface and to consolidate all aspects of an organization into a single, centralized database.

When properly implemented, ERP will enhance workflow, automate business processes, eliminate redundancy, and provide everyone in the organization with access to accurate, current and complete data. Many systems lack standard manufacturing characteristics, and it can be expensive and time-consuming to subsequently install these as bespoke modules.

Before offering solutions, it is crucial for ERP implementation providers to thoroughly understand their clients’ needs by asking a series of questions. Different ERP software solutions specialize in different functionalities, and there are many other factors to take into account, such as company size, preferred choices, required solutions, etc.

To make sure your client gets all the resources and functionality they would want for their business, it’s crucial to select an ERP system that is tailored exclusively for their line of business. An ERP implementation is a financial commitment, so it is the responsibility of the ERP solutions provider to understand the end client’s line of business and accordingly offer them a solution that will best meet their business needs.

Here’s a list of questions Peritos asks its clients, and the intent of asking these questions.

1. Name of existing ERP Implementation solution

This question will assist the provider in understanding the fundamental structure of the organization and will also enable them to suggest a better solution than the one currently being used.

2. Any preferred choice? (SAP, Microsoft, Oracle, Others)

Knowing the choice of the preferred ERP solution will give clarity on what’s needed, as each service offering has its strengths, limitations, and target markets.

3. Familiarity with SAP features and capabilities? (On a scale of 1-5, 5 being the highest)

SAP is the market’s most popular ERP software, with hundreds of fully integrated modules covering practically every facet of corporate management. Knowing whether the customer has a general understanding aids the ERP solution provider in developing their strategy and offering solutions that best meet their client’s demands.

4. Ever had a SAP or any other ERP product demo? (Yes/No)

5. ERP details of the parent group/holding company?

This topic is generally only relevant for larger firms that have their ERP system provided by their parent group or holding company. This allows the supplier to provide the customer with a system more compatible with the parent company.

6. Brief about the operations, processes, number of plants, production portfolio etc.

These details aid us in our understanding of the precise organizational structure, and the situations in which ERP solutions are required. Accordingly, we may provide features and solutions that are most suited to your requirements.

7. Estimated number of ERP users

8. Tentative list of modules for ERP implementation

ERP solutions consist of a set of modules, and understanding which one’s are required by the customer helps us in defining our implementation strategy and calculate associated costs.

9. In terms of the services required (i) End-to-end ERP implementation (iI) Licenses (iII) Consultation

This question enables the supplier to advocate for a certain plan and understand whether the client needs a complete ERP setup, licensing, or a simple consultation. This makes it easier for us to understand your requirements and tailor our services to meet them.

10. The preferred choice of deployment? (On-Premise or Cloud or Hybrid)

Knowing the preferred choice of deployment will enable us to develop a strategy within the appropriate time periods and recommend the most suitable option for you.

For instance, cloud ERP is appropriate for clients that want to build their new ERP system fast and at low initial expenses. Clients that already have a strong IT team in place to manage servers and business software are good candidates for on-premise ERP, whereas hybrid ERP is appropriate for customers who want to supplement a current on-premise ERP with a few cloud functionalities or mobile apps.

11. Will the final solution be integrated with other business applications or will it run stand-alone?

This enables us to determine whether the customer wants the ERP implementation solutions to be integrated with their other plans and applications so that all data is in one location, or will it be a stand-alone solution.

12. Estimated Timelines for Go-Live

Having an understanding around when the customer expects the system to go live helps us in defining the overall project timelines and resource allocations from our end accordingly.

13. Tentative Budget

Knowing the tentative budget will help us provide you with an ERP solution that is cost-effective and efficient.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ERP solution can be challenging but if you answer these questions properly, it will help your provider to suggest the best fit for you.

If you are confused about which ERP Implementation Solution to choose, get in touch with us. Peritos Solutions can help you opt for the right ERP Solution as per your business requirements.