Selecting an ERP Consultant that Will Act Like a Partner

When an ERP Consultant is Your ERP Partner

Implementing an ERP solution into a small business's infrastructure can have major ramifications. If an organization invests properly in adoption and prioritizes daily utilization goals, it can save time and money, simplify important tasks and receive complete company oversight.

Small businesses can do themselves a favor and find an ERP partner that will help with the early stages of implementation and remain invested in the company's success. There are ERP partners that not only help the company select the right product for the particular organization, but also make sure the choice pays off down the road.

Experience in the industry

If a small business decides to search for an ERP provider, it will not suffer from a lack of options. There are numerous products and businesses available to modern companies and organizations should take advantage of the variety to home in on the right ERP partner.

When a company's implementation team begins listing out possible options, they need to do their research and find a company with the products and knowledge necessary for a successful project. SocialERP said small businesses should find business partners with software expertise and experience in the business's particular industry.

The ERP solution's educational materials should be readily available and demonstrate a history of excellence. For example, organizations should look for customer case studies with details similar to the implementation team's documented goals.

Effective communication skills

The information and marketing materials provided by an ERP partner should be easy to understand and demonstrate why they are the best selection. The Office of Finance blog shared Gartner reports that found a lack of comprehension about ERP software products was a primary source of implementation failure. Companies need to know the ins and outs of possible purchases and why the final choice is the best possible option.

When a company makes contact with a potential ERP partner, the business's decision-makers need to observe how strong the providers communication skills are. Relevant data on business software features should be readily available and relatable.

Long term plans

An ERP partner needs to offer more than just a product. Providers should have implementation strategies, and businesses want a partner that will help with training. Each organization is unique, however, and it's important that potential schedules match up to individual expectations.

As a company works with an ERP solutions, it will introduce new functionality and versions.  ERP partners should offer webinars and conferences that keep clients up-to-date on these updates.

Be clear and honest

Small businesses should carefully investigate each potential partner. It's important providers appear honest and upfront about ERP software functionality. Similarly, companies need to be truthful about what they don't understand and where they need help.

A company needs to have complete understanding of its own business and industry, but ERP partners can provide an outside perspective and understanding of best practices. Food Manufacturing suggested companies should seek ERP partners to fill the gaps in their knowledge. This means both communicating where the company is completely on top of its operational systems and where it needs help.

Trust your gut

Once a company selects an ERP partner, it will work with the provider to implement the solution, train employees, integrate systems and upgrade technology. This requires a lot of time and back-and-forth communication, so decision-makers need to find a partner that will work well with their business.

Inc. advised small businesses to always take personal preferences into account when selecting any partner. Organizations should find ERP partners that share strategies, goals and values. Being comfortable with an ERP partner makes it easier to be open and ready to reach out.

The TM Group, Inc.

To learn more about our ERP and CRM solutions and services, please visit www.tmgroupinc.com or contact us at 888-482-2864. Now is a great time to contact The TM Group to accomplish your CRM and ERP goals. We have been providing superior business technology solutions since 1984. Our TM Group consultants vast expertise can architect the ideal system within your budget and timeline.

By The TM Group, a Michigan-based ERP system partner with NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Dynamics SL, Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner