What are the key features to look for in an ERP software demo or trial?

In a nutshell, focus on functionality, usability, customization, scalability, integration, and support/training when evaluating an ERP software demo or trial.

An essential tip is to have a requirement document ready before starting the process. This document should clearly distinguish between must-have and nice-to-have features. Having this prepared will help you find an ERP system that meets most of your requirements.

These are the factors which I always try to address when assessing ERPs. Comparison is important in all these areas, so decide on a scoring methodology and stick to it. We tend to use the Pugh Matrix, as part of the Six Sigma approach, as it allows for business weightage according to criticality. 1. Cost 2. Functional fit 3. Strategic fit 4. Compliance

In my experience, assessing functionality and usability is critical. Prioritize software that aligns with your specific business needs, offering essential features and flexibility for customization. Evaluate user interfaces for intuitiveness and ease of navigation, considering the learning curve for your team. Seek a balance between comprehensive functionality and a user-friendly design to enhance overall efficiency. Regularly gather feedback from end-users during the trial to gauge their experience and ensure the software meets both operational requirements and user expectations.

In my experience, ERP coverage in terms of functionality is core, whether it covers all the key business processes being followed for the targetted industry. Less customization makes less pain for managing the implementation and increases the chance of successful go-live. The usability of the software also plays a very important role, the ERP should be intuitive enough so users can learn on their own or with very little support. In the modern world, the user expects friendly and robust design and approach from complex applications that can ease off their daily processes and routines.

One time at work, evaluating integration and compatibility was crucial. In my experience, prioritize ERP software that seamlessly integrates with existing systems, minimizing disruptions. Assess compatibility with various databases, applications, and platforms to ensure a cohesive IT infrastructure. Look for standardized APIs and data formats to facilitate smooth data exchange. Verify compatibility with hardware and operating systems to avoid compatibility issues. This approach ensures a harmonious integration process and minimizes the risk of technical challenges during implementation.

Yes, we absolutely want our ERP system to integrate with your current systems. One other thing to consider would be seeing how it integrates with a key supplier or top customer's system. Removing friction from these business processes involving outside stakeholders can be an overlooked incentive when choosing an ERP.

When evaluating an ERP software demo or trial, focus on integration and compatibility. Ensure it seamlessly integrates with your existing systems and supports your workflow without disruptions. Compatibility with your hardware, software, and business processes is crucial for a smooth implementation and efficient operations.

In my experience its critical to build a complete picture on the strengths/weaknesses of the ERP system, when it comes to integrations. Projects can quickly exceed expected timelines when third parties that haven't been properly vetted become involved...

Evaluate the ERP software's accessibility across various devices, platforms, and browsers to ensure flexibility and convenience for your team members. Seek solutions that provide easy access and consistent user experience from different locations and devices.

In my experience, when considering ERP software, prioritizing security and reliability is paramount. Look for robust security measures, including data encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry standards. Assess the vendor's track record for system reliability and uptime to ensure continuous operations. Verify the software's ability to provide data backup and recovery options to safeguard against potential disruptions. Regularly update and patch management features are essential for maintaining a secure environment. Choosing ERP software with a strong focus on security and reliability is crucial for the long-term integrity of business operations.

List of key features to look for in an ERP software demo or trial regarding security and reliability: Data Encryption: Ensure encryption of sensitive data at rest and in transit. Access Controls: Check for user authentication and role-based permissions. Data Backup and Recovery: Verify reliable mechanisms for data backup and recovery. Compliance: Confirm adherence to industry regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. System Uptime: Assess historical uptime for minimal downtime. Vendor Reputation: Research vendor's track record for security and reliability.

Choose an ERP software that offers comprehensive backup and recovery capabilities to protect your business data and processes in case of emergencies or system failures.

Evaluate the security features to ensure your data is protected against unauthorized access and breaches. Robust security measures are essential for safeguarding sensitive business information. Also, ensure there are controls for user permissions and access levels, allowing you to restrict access based on roles and responsibilities. Access control helps prevent data misuse and enhances security.

Ganz wichtig ist in diesem Zusammenhang für EU-Firmen die Wahl des Speicherorts der Daten. Hier ist die GDPR / deutsch GS-GVO zu beachten, die klar regelt, dass die Daten in der EU bleiben müssen oder in Staaten gespeichert sein müssen, die ein angemessenes Datenschutzniveau gewährleisten. Gerade mit den USA gibt es immer wieder interessante Gerichtsurteile, eine echte Sicherheit bekommen Unternehmen hier nicht.

In my experience, when assessing ERP software, prioritize scalability and adaptability. Choose a solution that can seamlessly grow with your organization's evolving needs. Evaluate the software's ability to handle increased data volumes and user loads without compromising performance. Look for flexibility in configurations and customization to adapt to changing business processes. Scalability ensures long-term value, while adaptability allows the ERP system to align with dynamic industry trends and evolving organizational requirements. Regularly reassess and confirm that the chosen software maintains its scalability and adaptability over time.

Scalability: Ensure the software can grow with your business needs, accommodating increased data, users, and operations seamlessly. Adaptability: Seek flexibility in customization and integration options to tailor the software to your specific workflows and business requirements. These features ensure your ERP solution remains effective as your business evolves.

Scalability and adaptability have various dimensions involved. Identify how the ERP helps to scale vertically and horizontally. That means how easy is to scale-up users, volume of data and hardware in the ERP Ensure that your vendor is forward-looking and has a team of researchers, industry experts, and subject matter experts who closely monitor industry dynamics. They must have a mechanism to incorporate changes into the system through regular updates that will ensure the scalability of the system. Know how the system supports customization without disrupting core functions. Discuss does the software support multi-location, multi-currency, and multi-language? All this will help understand how scalable and adaptable the software will be.

Skalierbarkeit von ERP-Systemen ist eine der Top-Herausforderungen. Ich kann durch immer bessere Hardware im Server skalieren, das ist einfach. Aber irgendwann ist hier das Ende erreicht. Dann geht es darum, ob die Software ein Load-Balancing - also die Verteilung der Last auf mehrere Server - unterstützt. Hierzu bedarf es einer modernen Softwarearchitektur. Monolithische Systeme aus den 1990er / 2000er Jahren können das oft nicht. Bitte verlassen Sie sich nicht auf vertriebliche Aussagen während des Auswahlprozesses. Oftmals wissen Vertriebsmitarbeiter nicht, was hier überhaupt gefragt wird.

Votre entreprise va sans doute croître ? Si oui, dans quels secteurs va-t-elle s'aventurer ? Est-ce que votre éditeur continue à investir dans son produit et vous apportera beaucoup d'innovation ? Assurez-vous de bien mesurer la capacité de votre éditeur à renouveller son produit.

When assessing ERP software demos or trials, focus on: Customization: Ensure it fits your needs without extra costs. Integration: Seamless compatibility with existing systems. Scalability: Ability to grow without major expenses. User Experience: Easy to use to cut down on training costs. Support: Adequate assistance without hefty fees. Security: Robust measures to safeguard data. ROI: Calculate potential returns against costs.

Évaluez le coût de la solution en intégrant tous les aspects sur plusieurs années : coût ponctuel (acquisition et services), frais récurrents (hébergement, abonnements, support, etc). Additionnez ces coûts sur plusieurs années et calculez une valeur actuelle net (aussi appelée VAN). Aussi, tentez d'évaluez les bénéfices de la solution. Évaluer avec détails les bénéfices est excessivement complexe. Ma recommandation est de se concentrer uniquement sur les gains directs qui sont mesurables : réduction des doubles saisies, réduction des erreurs, etc.

1. I would rather say ROI than cost. 2. Ease to upgrade and maintain 3 Licensing cost 4. Futuristic design and functionality

1- ERP should be Futuristics, it should have the ability to obtain modern-day reporting techniques. 2- AI enablement. 3- Automation techniques. 4- Easily Customizable and maintainable.

1. Denken Sie in ROI statt in Kosten. 2. Nehmen Sie Key-User von Anfang an mit ins Projekt. 3. Lizenzkosten auf 5 Jahre betrachten. 4. Implementierungskosten auch auf 5 Jahre sehen. 5. Responsive Design -> Anpassung an andere/neue Geräte 6. Usability durch Anwenderinnen und Anwender bewerten lassen - sie müssen damit später jeden Tag arbeiten. 7. Technologische Schulden der Lösung ansehen, ob Sie damit leben können. 8. Sicherheit des ERP-Anbieters checken. 9. Wie ist der Projektleiter, versteht er mich? Habe ich ein gutes Gefühl bei dem Gedanken an eine langfristige Zusammenarbeit? 10. Kann die Software mein geplantes Wachstum mitgehen -> Skalierung?

In case of tier 1 ERP following points will be useful - Ensure most of your requirements are available out of the box in product - How big is product partner community? - How easy it is to switch the partner? - Does ERP provide customization framework with standard structure which is enforced for extension development - Implementation failures are rarely due to product, usually its either client or partner. Client who is not clear about requirements or partner who has over committed. - Check cost for next 3 to 5 years, 5 years should be more than enough to give you 100% ROI of ERP cost. - Try and have at least one in house expert for ERP platform. This makes a huge difference in total cost of ownership and feature utilization of ERP

Por encima de otras consideraciones, es fundamental llegar "con los deberes hechos" a la fase de demostración. Debemos tener previamente realizado, por nosotros o con la ayuda de un consultor experto, un análisis detallado de nuestro punto de partida, sabiendo cuales son nuestras carencias y necesidades actuales, y también a donde queremos llegara nivel estratégico, lo que determinará gran parte de las necesidades futuras. Con esta parte cubierta, podremos saber que debemos pedir funcionalmente al nuevo ERP. A partir de aquí, son factores importantes la flexibilidad, arquitectura y tecnología. Mención especial merecen las posibilidades de comunicación e interoperabilidad con otras herramientas y tecnologías.