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All organizations are not made the same. Therefore, what works for a particular organization may not work for yours. The needs of your organization should help you determine the system to use. Before you settle for the “best” ERP system on the market, you should research well. Below are some places you can get more information on different ERP systems.
1. ERP Blogs
You can get information about various ERP solutions at blog sites. Most VARs post articles and other content to help their customers get the most out of their ERP solutions. There are also independent review blogs that provide in-depth information on various ERP solutions. However, some blogs may be biased with their reviews, especially if they receive a commission for referring customers to sign up with particular vendors.
The best option is to search for information on reputable websites of VARs that are licensed partners of the ERP solutions you are targeting. The information on the blog site will help you in your ERP software comparison and explain the capabilities of the software, its benefits, and how your company can leverage it for improved productivity.
2. User Groups and Forums
User groups and forums are also a good place to learn about the capabilities of different ERP software. On forums, you can interact with software vendors and users and get unbiased information on the software you are researching. For example, for a comprehensive Acumatica cloud ERP you might want to try the Acumatica forums.
Forums are also a good place to get support on technical problems you may have with your current ERP solution. From the questions asked in the forums, you can know the problems you are likely to encounter when using particular software, its limitations, benefits, and so on.
On ERP user groups, you will get candid discussions on various solutions, advice on which solution will be right for your organization, and referrals to good VARs that can implement the software for your organization.
3. Demos from Vendors
Another way to find out if an ERP software will be right for you is to request a demo from the vendor. Depending on the ERP solution you are looking for, the vendor may come to your site or give you access to a solution hosted on the cloud. Most enterprise VARs will come to your site to demonstrate how their software works.
If you have invited a vendor to offer a demo, be prepared with a checklist of things that are important for your organization. Use the following points as a guide:
- Is the ERP one of the market leaders? Three of the market leaders include Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and Acumatica Cloud ERP. You want to go with an ERP that has been in the industry for quite a long time.
- Will the ERP integrate with your legacy software or other third-party applications that are crucial to the operations of your organization? Better yet, are the applications integrated in the software?
- Does the software have reporting capabilities that are crucial for your industry? For example, if you are a manufacturing organization, you may be interested in inventory management, bill of lading reports, and so forth.
- How easy will it be to transfer data from your existing software to the ERP solution?
- How is the VAR rated in the industry? Can you rely on them for support and other ERP-related tasks that may come up?
4. Comparison Webinars: ERP Software Shoot-outs
While the previously mentioned tips will help you find information on various ERP software, the best way is to attend a shoot-out webinar where two or more software are compared side-by-side. Such webinars are usually organized by VARs who desire to educate their prospects or customers on the available options in the market.
Side-by-side comparisons give you a better picture of the capabilities and limitations of different ERP solutions. The side-by-side comparison enables you to easily know which ERP will be the best fit for your organization.
You should research well to find an ERP solution that will help your organization achieve business objectives more efficiently and without increasing your costs. Use the above tips to research your ideal ERP software.
Companies that invest in implementing solutions such as Acumatica Cloud ERP or Dynamics 365 quickly realize a return on their investment. These ERP solutions are easier to customize than previous legacy solutions.
About Clients First
Business software should increase productivity, improve profitability, and be easy for staff to use. Most of today’s ERP solutions are good at finance and have horizontal niches for distribution, manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul for aviation and heavy equipment. This makes searching for a software solution more about what the implementation partner can do to help you get the most out of the system. That is why Clients First is not a software company--we are a business solutions and services company.
Contact Clients First Business Solutions to learn more about the right ERP solution for your business to help you get the most ROI out of your 2021 budget.
Email: Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas or call us at 800.331.8382
