ERP can deliver a lot of functionality, but what do you really need out of it? Learning how to prioritize your ERP requirements can help ensure you get the solution that is:
- right for you.
- doesn’t leave you paying for things you don’t really need.
Consider Your Niche or Industry
A first consideration always needs to be the space in which your company functions. Certain industries have very specific demands for solutions. A company in healthcare, for example, might have heightened data privacy concerns, while a manufacturing business needs a lot of support at the production level. Make a list of the high-priority concerns for businesses in your space, and then move on from there. Keep in mind that there are ERP solutions designed for specific industries which can help you focus in on certain features and prioritize.
Identify Your Musts
Once you have a master list of features that work for your space, silo these features into two categories: features you must have and features it would be nice to have. All your musts are going to be priorities on your list of ERP requirements, of course. With the features it would be nice to have, look at these twice, keeping an eye out for features that might bring some value to your business in the long term.
From this list, you can now prioritize based on a requirement’s fit with your existing protocols and workflows. Go through your list and prioritize features that require no adjustments on your part. Next, look for features that may require limited effort on your part and prioritize those second to the natural fits. Finally, place any feature which requires extensive effort from your company to implement at the bottom of your list of priorities.
Run a Cost Benefit Analysis
Now that you have a prioritized list of ERP requirements, begin your search for ERP solutions that fit the bill. Working with an ERP consultant is a great way to focus in on an option that works well for you. Consider the cost benefit of any lower priority features and use this data to create a short list of solutions. Discuss scheduling a demo of ERP options with your ERP consultant so you can see the solution in action before pulling the trigger.
ERP comes in a wide range of “shapes and sizes” these days, and you have a good deal of decision making ahead of you for selecting the right system. Sifting through your ERP requirements and prioritizing the right features is an essential first step. How did you prioritize your ERP requirements in the past? Let us know in the comments below.
If you want to learn more about the available features in ERP and how to choose what works for you, try out our ERP checklist to help you zero in on the right choice.
