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, has developed a step by step approach.
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 . If you missed it, you can click here to read “Selecting an ERP/Accounting System – Part I: The Process.”
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 . It provides a rating scale and a way to rank any 3 products in a side-by-side comparative format (for example comparing with Macola). Use it well!
By Marcia Nita Doron, Altico Advisors, for and serving New Hampshire (NH)
