Selecting the right ERP

When selecting and implementing an ERP, management teams should consider the following guidelines and considerations:

• Clear and unambiguous authority: The selection and implementation of an ERP solution is a major project. There should be no ambiguity in the decision-making authority.
• Structured rigorous process: Most organizations will only purchase an ERP solution once every 10 to 15 years. One of the key differentiators for a successful selection program is a structured and rigorous process.
• Process definition of requirements: The compilation and documentation of user requirements form the basis for the selection process. These requirements are best stated as business processes rather than functional requirements.
• User participation & buy-in: The acquisition and evaluation team should be assembled with members from all areas within the business.
• Document rationale for each decision: The rationale behind decisions taken during the selection process should be documented. This documentation will be important during the implementation process, and in subsequent similar projects.

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