ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning software, and it helps institutes streamline their operations, increase productivity and drive higher profitability. But the institute owners come through many questions before finalizing an ERP for their institution. Obviously, you want to choose the best ERP solutions per your needs. Here are a few points that you should consider while finalizing ERP:
- Number Of ERP Implementations Done By Vendor
Many new companies come into the market and claim that they have a unique, new, and better ERP than all others. But there are better criteria for selecting an ERP. A client should not become a place for 1st experience for the ERP. Always trust an ERP with many organizations already working on it for a minimum of more than 1 financial year. This will assure you that all processes are in working condition and the ERP has gone ahead with the test of time, errors, bugs, etc.
- Feedback From Existing ERP Clients Of The Vendor
Before finalizing an ERP, you must talk to some ERP vendor clients. A vendor who is confident of his ERP will not hesitate to give you the contact details of his clients for honest feedback. All the clients of the ERP Vendor might not be using the complete ERP for their reasons, so it’s better to take the clients’ contact details from the ERP Vendor where they have successfully implemented the ERP.
- Total Modules Of The ERP Provided By The Vendor
A solution that centrally automates and covers all the departments and processes of an organization can only be called ERP. Before finalizing, it should be checked whether the ERP covers everything it is meant to. Only complete ERPs will obviously be able to automate some of the processes.
- Future Plans Of The Vendor With The ERP
Once an organization starts working on an ERP, it’s tough to roll back to old manual work or migrate to a new ERP. Hence, the ERP vendor must have a long-term vision and plan to satisfy the organization’s future needs.
- Cost Of Ownership Incurred By Client
ERP Implementation involves various levels, like Installation, GAP Analysis, Customization, Data Entry, Staff Training, etc., involved. Before finalizing, the time needed for GO LIVE of the ERP should be checked, and it should be analyzed how much workforce and support the vendor is providing the client for a smooth and quick implementation. A very long implementation process results in a lack of interest in the staff and indirect expenses for the organization.
- Implementation Plan Of The Vendor And Payment Installments Accordingly
The Payments for ERPs must always be based on milestones and in installments accordingly. Clients must understand the charges of AMC, Customizations, additional onsite support after implementation, etc. while purchasing the ERP to avoid confusion and confrontations later.
- After Sales Support
Once the ERP is successfully implemented, constant support from the vendor is also needed in training for the new people joining the organization, customizations, and error handling. The ERP Vendor should have a constant support cell that can support the clients as and when needed and develop new processes if required. Good ERP vendors keep a documentation system in place to keep track of every issue raised by the client and the timely solution provided to the client for the same.
- Data Security
Since all the data from all the departments are managed in ERP Security of that data is of prime importance. Security of the Database should be addressed on the server. The ERP should properly manage user rights so that details cannot leak out to the wrong hands.
- Resources Required To Run The ERP
The client should have or should be ready to invest in all the resources like robust internet connection, additional computers, dedicated official numbers for Whatsapp, qualified staff/ERP Manager, etc. ERP Vendors usually do not provide hardware interfacing devices like barcode scanners, time and attendance machines, and i-cards. These things will have to be additionally purchased by the clients. The ERP, however, should have the integration features from all this hardware.
- Experience And Confidence Of The Vendor
ERP is a wonderful example of the use of technology to make life easy and, in business terms, reduce efforts and time to generate better results and profits. Before finalizing an ERP, the confidence of the ERP Vendor in his system and his past experiences with all his ERP Clients have to be discussed, as that is the foundation for a successful ERP Implementation by him.
At IFW, we provide the best browser-based ERP solutions based on your institution’s needs and requirements. We have a proud portfolio of serving hundreds of clients in India. For a demo or an inquiry, drop a comment below.