An ERP software demo is a vital piece of the ERP selection process. They give you the unique opportunity to vet your Enterprise Resource Planning software. If you are willing to put in the time and effort to make them a success, software demos have the power to show how viable a potential ERP solution really is. What can you do to optimize the process and make the most of your ERP demos? Let’s discuss our top ERP demo tips.
ERP Demonstrations Tip #1: Perform your Due Diligence in Advance
Before you even schedule your ERP demo, you want to have extensive conversations with a vendor, providing them with a list of musts and wants you expect from their solution. A general demo that doesn’t address your specific needs and business processes might end up being a waste of your time and the vendor’s.
ERP Demonstrations Tip #2: Involve the Entire Team
Vetting an ERP solution should be a collaborative process that involves staff from every department at your company. Making a top-down decision on ERP just makes little sense — the solution itself is about taking a holistic approach and collaborating across silos. After the demo, reconvene the entire project team for a post-demo regroup. What was missing? What was great about the solution? Get input from every department. Is the solution giving you realistic and proactive ways to collaborate across your company? Does it unify processes and demolish silos? Get input from every department.
ERP Demonstrations Tip #3: Record the Demo
Chances are that you will want to review certain parts of the demo after the fact. Make sure to record the demo day of so that you have it to refer to in your post-demo regroup session. Even the most extensive notes won’t give you the detail that revisiting the actual demo will.
ERP Demonstrations Tip #4: Take Notes
Things may come up now that you won’t remember later. While you follow the demo through your daily work processes, note anything that stands out to you or does not address an essential function at your business.
ERP Demonstrations Tip #5: Ask Follow-up Questions
Even if an ERP system demo goes seamlessly and an ERP solution seems like the ideal fit, you still want to ask questions. Compile questions brought up during your ERP project team regroup session and submit them to a vendor. If you need to, ask for changes. Any ERP vendor who will be a valuable partner in the long term will enjoy the collaboration and endeavor to answer every question that comes up.
Some Example Follow-Up Questions Not to Overlook
1. Debrief with Your Team:
Gather feedback from your team members who attended the demo. Discuss their impressions, what they liked, what they didn’t, and any major opportunities or concerns they identified during the session.
Ask questions like:
- “What aspects of the demo stood out to you?”
- “Were there any pain points or challenges that need further exploration?”
- “Did the solution align with our business needs?”
2. Schedule a Follow-Up
A single demo might not be sufficient for deciding. Schedule a follow-up meeting to delve deeper into specific aspects or address any remaining questions.
Consider asking:
- “Would you like to see additional features or scenarios?”
- “When would be a convenient time for another discussion?”
- “Are there any outstanding concerns we should address?”
3. Re-evaluate Your Requirements List:
Reflect on how well the ERP solution aligns with your initial requirements. Were all critical features covered during the demo?
Inquire:
- “Did the demo cover all our essential requirements?”
- “Are there any gaps or areas where the solution falls short?”
4. Discuss Implementation:
Explore the implementation process. Understand the steps involved, timelines, and any potential challenges.
Ask:
- “What does the implementation process look like?”
- “How long does it typically take to go live?”
- “What resources will be needed from our end?”
An ERP demo is complex, but by following these ERP demo tips you can streamline the process and ensure you make the right choice for your company. If you are interested in taking the next steps and experiencing a successful ERP demo, schedule your personalized demo with one of our Microsoft or Acumatica experts today.
