In our final 10 Principles of Success for selecting an ERP system, we emphasize a foundational value: honesty and dependability. Selecting the right ERP system for your business is not only a technical choice; it’s about integrity, trust, and responsibility. These values must be central to the decision-making process, from your internal team to your ERP consultants and vendor.
The 10 Principles of Success Applied to ERP Selection
Mindset Matters: Think success, not failure. A positive mindset fuels the journey, especially in the complex ERP selection process.
Define Clear Goals: Write down specific objectives for your ERP system. Define what success looks like for your organization.
Take Action: Plans need action. Don’t let the fear of imperfection hold you back. Start, learn, and refine as you go.
Commit to Continuous Learning: ERP systems evolve. Ensure your team receives ongoing training to leverage your ERP to its fullest.
Persistence Pays Off: ERP selection is a long-term project, not a quick fix. Stick with your goals and adapt as needed.
Analyze Details Carefully: Gather as much information as possible, and learn from each stage of the ERP selection.
Focus Resources Wisely: Time and budget are valuable. Avoid distractions and keep the focus on your ERP objectives.
Embrace Change: Innovation can set your company apart. Don’t hesitate to explore new ways of working.
Communicate Effectively: Foster clear, open communication with all stakeholders to ensure everyone aligns with ERP goals.
Be Honest and Dependable: Without trust, the above principles won’t matter. Honesty and dependability should guide every step.
Why Honesty and Dependability Matter in ERP Selection
Your ERP system will touch every aspect of your business, and choosing the right one requires a foundation of trust with every person involved:
ERP Consultants: Independent consultants should disclose any partnerships with vendors. Look for consultants who provide unbiased, transparent guidance. At EstesGroup, we prioritize independence and transparency.
ERP Vendor Personnel: Evaluate how well vendors understand your business. If they’re rushing the sales process or offering quick discounts without a tailored approach, that’s a red flag. Reliable vendors work to understand your needs first.
Your Team: Internal bias can impact ERP selection. Establish an open dialogue within your team to identify preferences and ensure they align with your company’s goals.
ERP Honesty Gauge Toolkit
Here’s a practical toolkit to help you assess the honesty and reliability of consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders in the ERP selection process.
Independent Consultants:
- Verify their independence by asking for references and checking if they have partnerships with specific ERP vendors.
- Request a signed statement confirming they do not receive referral fees.
- Look for balanced recommendations across multiple ERP solutions.
ERP Vendor Personnel:
- Require vendors to outline a customized demonstration based on your business processes.
- Ask for relevant references in your industry and pay attention to their willingness to provide detailed answers.
- If one person handles every aspect of the ERP demonstration without team involvement, this may indicate the vendor lacks resources.
Internal Company Team:
- Have the ERP Review Leader issue a bias survey to gauge preferences among team members.
- Address any consistent favoritism or opposition toward a specific ERP early in the process.
- Encourage team members to focus on how a new ERP will improve company efficiency and avoid personal bias.
Taking the Next Step
Selecting an ERP system is a critical decision that requires trust, transparency, and teamwork. At EstesGroup, we understand the complexities of ERP selection and can help you establish a selection process built on these values.
Together, we’ll help you simplify technology, improve operations, and gain efficiencies.
Ask An Expert
"*" indicates required fields
