Selecting new ERP/accounting software to run your business is a big decision and can be a daunting task. To help you successfully navigate a software selection initiative,
This is Part II of a 3-part series entitled “The 3 Ps of Software Selection – The Process, the Pitfalls, the Promise.” Part I was a high level view of the basic questions you need to be asking and the basic elements you need to budget for as you work through the
Part II provides some useful insight into the pitfalls to avoid when selecting an ERP/accounting system for your company.
For example, here’s a list of the most common problems that occur during the selection process:
– Insufficient documentation
– Insufficient training
– Underestimating the implementation time/effort
– Underestimating the costs
– Overestimating internal capabilities
– Over-engineering the project; Not allowing for course corrections
– Focus on product vs. process and people
– Choosing a system that’s too big or too small
– Failing to obtain executive buy-in
– Failing to obtain end user buy-in
– Failing to establish criteria for measuring success
You can avoid these pitfalls and minimize your risks by following these simple guidelines:
– Have thorough documentation
– Set realistic expectations
– Leave it to the experts
– Be flexible, allow for course corrections
– Create a short list early
– Focus on a limited number of solutions
– Obtain company-wide buy-in
– Establish criteria for measuring success
– Arrange and allow time for sufficient training
Stay tuned for “Selecting an ERP/Accounting System-Part III: The Promise.” Meanwhile, here’s a great software selection aid that you can download called a
By Marcia Nita Doron, Altico Advisors,