{"id":2452,"date":"2019-10-15T15:34:53","date_gmt":"2019-10-15T15:34:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/solutionsreview.com\/enterprise-resource-planning\/?p=2452"},"modified":"2022-07-12T17:21:08","modified_gmt":"2022-07-12T17:21:08","slug":"how-to-get-the-most-value-from-your-erp-software-demo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/solutionsreview.com\/enterprise-resource-planning\/how-to-get-the-most-value-from-your-erp-software-demo\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get the Most Value from Your ERP Software Demo"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/p>\n

This is part of Solutions Review\u2019s Executive Insights Series, a collection of sponsored columns written by industry experts.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

An ERP software<\/a> demo can be one of the most important stages in your vendor selection. Done well, they can be much more than introductions to a product. An ERP software demo can also provide valuable vendor insight and give you the opportunity to zero in on your exact requirements.<\/p>\n

Getting the most out of your ERP software demo takes careful planning and teamwork. Your goal for the demo should be to go beyond simply matching your needs to product features and pricing. By the end of the demo, you also should understand what levels of support the vendor offers, what their implementation process<\/a> is like, and how customizable their solution is to your future needs.<\/p>\n
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Here are five tips for making sure you get the most value out of your ERP software demo:<\/p>\n

Create Your List of Requirements (But Be Flexible)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Before you schedule a demo with an ERP software vendor<\/a>, make sure you know what you\u2019re looking for. Understand, also, that there\u2019s a difference between need and want. Your \u201cneeds\u201d should be non-negotiable and can help you eliminate ERP solutions that aren\u2019t a good match, even without a demo.<\/p>\n

Your \u201cwants,\u201d also known as \u201cnice-to-haves,<\/a>\u201d can be more flexible. Don\u2019t get too distracted with bells and whistles that seem helpful, but don\u2019t add real value for you. Instead, think about your core business processes. Visualize a day in your office for employees who will use the software to give your team the strongest sense of what\u2019s necessary.<\/p>\n

Prepare Targeted Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Your software vendor will likely begin the demo asking you about your company and its processes. That\u2019s their way of determining whether you\u2019ll be a good fit for their product. Just make sure the vendor isn\u2019t the only one who gets to decide. Be proactive in pursuing the information that\u2019s necessary for you.<\/p>\n

By preparing a list of questions<\/a>, sourced from all stakeholders at your company, you are creating a framework for how the demo will proceed. Think about what features or processes are most important to your team, and lead with those questions. Based on the responses you get, you will know how much more time you should invest with the vendor.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also helpful to be familiar with some of the most common questions about ERP software<\/a>. When you review them, think about how they can be personalized to your company and industry.<\/p>\n

Record the Demo<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There are many reasons you should be recording your ERP software demo. While you may be the decision-maker, ERP systems require multiple stakeholders. If there are key members of your team who can\u2019t be present for the demo, a recording is your best option.<\/p>\n

In that scenario, it may not be enough to take notes. A screen recording will produce the most accurate version of your conversation and allow all team members to see what the product looks like. Especially if your decision process takes time, it\u2019s good to have documentation for reference.<\/p>\n

Request a Deeper Dive<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As you debrief with your team<\/a>, you will likely have questions about features you would like to explore more in-depth. Pay attention to details during your demo, and follow up on anything that seems either interesting or unclear.<\/p>\n

A demo isn\u2019t the only opportunity you have to connect with your ERP software vendor. If the solution looks like a good fit, you will have many more conversations to follow. Don\u2019t abandon your structure, or your proactivity, just because a product seems to meet your needs. Make sure, also, that your team is in agreement. If not everyone is on board at the beginning, those rifts will only amplify as you pursue a product further.<\/p>\n

Because ERP systems can be so complex, demos are an essential part of understanding a product’s value. If, however, you let the vendor guide the entire demo, you are likely going to be left with more questions than answers. The best demos are mutual exchanges, where both parties move closer to a viable partnership when the conditions are right.<\/p>\n

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\"Download<\/a> \"Download<\/a> \"Download<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This is part of Solutions Review\u2019s Executive Insights Series, a collection of sponsored columns written by industry experts. An ERP software demo can be one of the most important stages in your vendor selection. Done well, they can be much more than introductions to a product. An ERP software demo can also provide valuable vendor […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":2461,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[694,712,695,693,697,692],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Get the Most Value from Your ERP Software Demo<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How to get the most value from your ERP software demo, with four key recommendations from one of the brightest minds in the field.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/solutionsreview.com\/enterprise-resource-planning\/how-to-get-the-most-value-from-your-erp-software-demo\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How 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