Here at Solutions Review, it’s our job to help simplify that process. To that end, we’ve created a variety of buyer resources and articles to speed the evaluation of enterprise technology solutions. In our Enterprise Resource Planning Buyer’s Guide, we offer readers a full ERP market overview. This includes company and product profiles and best use cases for the top-24 providers, ten questions for prospective ERP buyers, and our bottom line analysis.
5 Items to Consider
To help simplify the process even more, we suggest taking a look at these five items to take into consideration when choosing an ERP solution:
- Customer Reviews / References: Customer reviews can go a long way, so don’t be afraid to ask for customer references to get their opinions, first hand, whether or not the ERP tool you are looking at fits the description. But make sure these customers actually purchased the vendor’s software. Were they happy with the software and services? Why or why not?
- Support: Test the vendor’s support systems. A good solution provider should go out of their way to make sure you are completely satisfied with the software. Do they respond quickly? How will these support services scale when you onboard your firm?
- Technical Resources: Take a look at provided learning materials such as knowledge bases, documentation, or wikis. What does the vendor provide for customers to educate themselves?
- Advisory Capability: Look for a provider that understands your business situation or industry, and whose people seek to be more of a long-term partner rather than just make the sale. If they can provide guidance rather than simply product specs, you will have a better chance at working through whatever challenges lie ahead.
- Experience in Development: Be sure that the vendor has long-term experience in developing and improving its products.
More Resources
To make it even easier for buyer’s that may be in niche and specific industries, we’ve gone even further by creating two more ERP buyer’s guide. Our Manufacturing ERP Buyer’s Guide includes the top-24 ERP providers that offer strictly ERP solutions for the manufacturing industry. Similarly, our Distribution ERP Buyer’s Guide focuses on vendors that provide solutions for the wholesale distribution industry.
Although some of the solution providers in the Manufacturing Guide bleed into our Distribution Guide, it’s helpful for some to see the specific solutions (and the differences) in order to pick one that best fits their businesses/organizations needs.
Pair these with Solutions Review online directory of ERP vendors, platforms and software solutions. It includes an abbreviated overview, contact information and links to each company’s social media handles for the top-24 ERP providers. If you would like a printed version of this page including complete solutions profiles and a list of the top questions to ask in an RFP, click here for a free PDF.
So, if you’re in the beginning process of buying your first ERP solution, or if you’re looking for something a little different than what you already have, we hope these are the perfect resources to get you started on the decision-making process.
And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for all the latest in the ERP space!
