What is the best way to evaluate ERP Systems for SMEs?
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Salman Munir asked a question that I thought can be an interesting discussion thread. Our other companies and readers will have far more depth and insight on this from their businesses than myself considering that ERP and MIS systems are pretty much the bulk of the local business (oh and banking and HRMS too).
So I’ll have the community answer this one – here’s the question:
A good friend of mine, involved in production of herbal medicine, quite sizable outfit now as I recall sales touching Rs. 5 Million / month, asked me “I’m looking for a good ERP solution for my company aligned with my area of business. Would you please recommend some vendor?â€Â
If I have to answer him, I would merit the following qualities:
- Product Maturity
- Vendor Track record
- Implementation road map
- Price
- After sales supportWould you add something to the list?
Coming back to question, How should someone start looking for these companies?
What’s your input? Sound off in the comments.
4:16 pm
Microsoft are investing heavily in their ERP solution named Microsoft Dynamics, and they are specifically targeting SMEs. There’s still some time before they gain some foothold in the market from rivals like SAP but the future is promising at least.
6:31 pm
I would highly recommend a full evaluation with a structured and methodical process.
I personally preach self education is key to project success if an independent consultant is not used.
My website offers both a free Software Selection Tool Kit, as well as an option for receiving an ERP or accounting short list of vendors based on criteria such as revenue, industry, and manufacturing type.
Rebecca Gill
Technology Group International
http://www.tgiltd.com
10:55 am
Having some experience in implementing ERPs in Pakistan, i would add following to the list
1. Industry specific experience – Remember ERP brings with it best practises.
2. Independant consultants who can do “Gap Analysis”.
3. Most of the companies in Pakistan – dump their IT systems as oppose to a system helping in internalazing the implementation.
4. Ability to help in planning a roll-out. Most of the “techie” firms miss out on managerial implications of the roll-out.
Price, Product, Placements and After sales services are area where most of the firms will be very competitive.
11:49 am
Hira, can you list down some examples of the managerial implications of rollout? If I wasn’t one of those IT companies that forget and want to plan a proper ERP deployment what should I be careful of? What would you say are the 5 biggest challenges (or areas to pay attention to) of rolling out an ERP?
11:31 pm
1.what is the best definition for SMEs?
2.until now,how many science and technology park established all over the world?