Choosing a Custom ERP Software Vendor: What to Ask

With custom ERP software, you can increase shop floor efficiency, cut costs, and speed up important business tasks like month-end accounting. It is important for you to select the right ERP as it will have a huge impact on your business, as it is the foundation for your digital transformation and underpinnings of automation and other more advanced technologies.

In addition to the fact that ERPs are long-term investments — many companies stick with one for several years or even decades — choosing the right ERP for your shop can have long-term consequences. They are: ‍

Pick your selection team
Evaluate your specific needs
Identify potential ERP vendors
Schedule consultations
Shortlist and check references

This is the time to get down to the nitty-gritty of what your company needs from an ERP.

A system that is packed with bells and whistles but does not necessarily have the features you need may end up being swayed by impressive demos and fancy sales presentations. Let’s take a closer look at the fourth step on our list: ERP vendor consultations.

Once you have researched and identified a proper custom ERP software that you think might have the right features and be a good fit for you, it’s time to schedule a consultation and demo with each ERP vendor. This is a great way to get to know each system (and their team) better — plus, it gives you a chance to see if they have the features that you need.

Do your homework.

Due to the complexity of ERP solutions and the challenges of implementation, it’s essential to vet the actual competency of each company throughout the ERP selection process. Before contacting ERP vendors, your team has already worked hard to understand your needs. This will guide the conversation during product demos. The panel has your best interests at heart – and knows which providers to choose.

‍Prepare a list of questions for each ERP provider in advance.

If you want to know more about each ERP vendor and their product, prepare a list of questions to ask. It is the responsibility of you to set up a list of questions to ask each vendor so you are in control. Below is a list of questions you should ask.

Important questions to ask an ERP vendor:

Since when does your industry use their software?
Does the vendor have a thorough understanding of our industry and vertical?
Is it possible to get testimonials and case studies from companies similar to yours?
For further information, can you contact their references?
Can you tell me if they are the developers or resellers of the system?