INTELLIGENT SOFTWARE BUSINESS
manufacturing model, to a mixed mode
model which can put added pressure on
ERP solutions. Another key question to
ask is: how do you want to deploy the
solution? Legacy systems are traditionally
on-premises solutions. Today however,
you have a choice in deployment including
traditional on-premises, hosted, true cloud,
or hybrid options.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• At a very early stage of your decision-making process you will want to compile a list of
cross-functional requirements to use to reach out to software vendors
• If replacing legacy software keep in mind future business goals rather than simply
writing a list of shortcomings of your old software
• New software requires considerable business investment however it is important to
measure return on investment not just cost
• Opening stages of making any software decision should involve an open and honest
Understand the end game
New software requires a considerable
business investment however, it is important
to measure return on investment, not just
cost. Consider the up-front purchase budget
alongside other key considerations such as
the benefits the organisation can expect to
gain from that software, as well as the long-
term maintenance costs.
Today’s next-generation enterprise
software solutions, for example, have the
ability to save businesses valuable time
by reducing administrative tasks that
employees have to complete, automating
processes and streamlining workflows.
This results in an agile business, that is
more responsive and competitive.
If replacing legacy software, keep in
mind future business goals, rather than
simply writing a list of the shortcomings of
your old software. Where do you want to be
in three to five years? What does your ERP
solution need to support in the future?
These questions are vital. Research the vendor
It is vital that companies check credentials
and do the necessary research to make sure
they work with a software vendor that cares
about the business requirements, not just
about where the next sale is coming from.
Reputable software vendors will consult
with the company on different options
available and offer honest opinions on
how to use technology to improve the
business. This is especially important when
purchasing an ERP solution, which is a
whole package, not just one small element
of a business’s technology.
Also, you cannot predict the direction
your future growth will take, so having
a partner that is agile and committed to
innovation, is invaluable.
Ability to support new software
Be sure to understand the capabilities of
your company’s IT department. Will the
team need help throughout the entire
implementation process and beyond, or
will they just need a training session before
managing the deployment themselves.
Many software vendors include support
and upgrades in their sales package,
but make sure the vendor is prepared to
provide the level of service needed. Having
this information and working with a
vendor that understands the needs of the
organisation will help when deciding what
software and support bundle is best suited
for your company. ERP solution features
An ERP solution should solve problems,
not create them, so it is critical to ensure
that the solution you choose has the
following features:
Industry specific: An ERP solution
that works well for a manufacturer of
plastics might not necessarily be right for
a retail outlet.
Scalability: An ERP system built on
scalable architecture will help you manage
growth, and the fewer customisations
a system requires to meet your specific
needs, the better.
Functionality: An ERP system must
have the capabilities to do everything that
discussion with the software vendor about business ambitions
• Reputable software vendors will consult with the company on different options available
and offer honest opinions
your business strategy demands of it.
Deployment options: On-premises,
private-cloud, public-cloud or hybrid
deployment options, combined with mobile
access for your employees.
Ease of implementation: If you have
problems at this stage, it can have a lasting
impact on your ERP system’s performance,
and your profit.
Ease of use: Nobody wants to go through
a difficult and unfriendly learning process.
Choosing any new software, but particularly
an ERP solution, is a complex task and can
also be a confusing experience. That being
said, selected carefully, an ERP system can
serve as the backbone of your business.
Monzer Tohme is Regional Vice President Sales,
Middle East and Africa at Epicor Software
47