What to Ask Before Partnering with an ERP Vendor

So you’ve decided to take the leap and work with an ERP vendor.

However, now you have to sort through the many different vendors available and select one that works for you.

You may be unsure what questions to ask an ERP vendor or what to look for in a high-quality ERP vendor business.

Finding an ERP vendor can feel overwhelming at times. But you don’t have to go into your search completely blind. We at KPI Network know it can be tough to find the information you’re looking for, so here are a few things to ask before partnering with an ERP vendor.

Ask them to evaluate your business

While it’s easy to get caught up in buzzwords and catchy phrases, take time to really delve into your business and identify potential gaps. Review your own business as you would an independent third-party. Then, ask your potential ERP vendor to give their take. If you feel like you both have a similar view on your business and the possible trajectory, you will likely work well together. If you have a stark difference of opinion, it may take a little more trial and error to get on the same page.

Ask about actionable next steps

When discussing a potential partnership with a quality ERP vendor, it’s crucial to know what next steps they plan on taking with your company. It’s also crucial to know how they would implement those steps. Ask about their ideas for deployment, training, accessibility, short-term goals and long-term goals. While this isn’t an exhaustive list of potential actionable steps, it’s a good place to start.

Ask about the timeline and budget

While it’s good to know a proposed plan of action, this is only half the battle. It’s essential that your ERP vendor has a clear idea about the timeline and expected budget for implementation. And depending on what you can afford, it needs to be realistic for a long-term investment. Ask for a breakdown of when you can expect them to meet deliverables and how much you’ll spend. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Ask about their track record

It’s important to know a bit more about who you’re working with. So don’t be afraid to be straightforward. A great ERP vendor will be transparent and communicative about their successes and have a game plan for any gap areas. Ask about their support structure, years of experience, unique qualities and if they create their own product or sell someone else’s. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for references. At KPI Network, we are always straightforward and honest about our hard work, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

Compare and contrast

Once you compile all the information from your potential ERP vendors, take time to compare them. Feel free to reach out for follow-up questions so you have a clear view of how each company would meet your requirements. And think about your short-term and long-term goals so you know how each company might fulfill those needs throughout the years.

While picking an ERP vendor takes a little time, it’s well worth the effort. And here at KPI Network, we strive to provide our clients with everything they need to succeed.

Curious about our ERP vendor solutions? Contact us today. We can’t wait to work with you!