Clear Red Flags 🚩 How to
recognize a Dubious ERP
Vendor at an Early Stage

Dubious ERP Vendor? These Red Flags 🚩 indicate this!

Big promises, but little behind them? Unfortunately, this is not uncommon when it comes to ERP vendors. It is therefore worth taking a closer look when you first meet them. And the first conversations already reveal a lot about the working methods and mentality of your counterpart. You should definitely take the following warning signals seriously.

Unclear Value Propositions

Warning signal: The vendor loves to speak in general phrases. They avoid clear statements and differentiated details about their services, so that you end up not knowing exactly what they can offer you at all.

This is how it should be: A reputable vendor explains to you transparently what services they provide, what competencies they have and what is actually implemented in the project. They will not shy away from naming limits and project risks. And they will also tell you in no uncertain terms what not is part of their tasks.

Opaque Pricing

Warning signal: The vendor’s quotes are extremely tight or full of hidden costs (e.g. for support, training, interfaces or customizations). In addition, the price negotiation process is conspicuously fast and without in-depth analysis.

This is how it should be: A reputable vendor creates a transparent, detailed quote that includes all services, additional costs and optional additional items. The pricing is based on a profound needs analysis, not on gut feeling. So you know exactly what you agree to and won’t experience any nasty surprises.

No Real Interest in your Processes

Warning signal: The vendor mainly talks about the system, but hardly about your internal processes, goals or challenges. Topics such as your business processes are only considered superficially.

This is how it should be: The vendor asks you concrete questions about your processes, goals and bottlenecks. Based on this information, they are able to provide you with comprehensive and individual advice and an honest assessment of your project.

No Structure in the Project Approach

Warning signal: You can not recognize a clear project methodology. There is no project plan and there are no defined milestones. The vendor only makes verbal promises and does not prepare structured documents that you can use as a guide.

This is how it should be: A reputable vendor works with a clear methodology and structure. You receive a detailed project plan that defines milestones, responsibilities and timeframes. Risks and open issues are also documented. This ensures certainty and trust in the process.

Exaggerated Promises

Warning signal: The ERP vendor promises to be able to map “everything”, regardless of complexity or your system landscape. They do not address any doubts or limitations and it’s almost as if they see everything through rose-tinted glasses.

This is how it should be: A good vendor remains realistic all the time and clearly shows what is possible and what is not. Instead of making sweeping promises, they name concrete solutions and show where there are alternatives or limitations. This honesty is much more valuable in the long term than exaggerated promises.

The Budget for your ERP Implementation This is how you
plan realistically

Unqualified Team

Warning signal: Although you receive friendly advice, you have no clarity as to who is actually in charge of the project. The contact persons change frequently or do not appear to have the necessary experience.

This is how it should be: A good vendor will introduce you to the project team. You will learn about the roles, qualifications and responsibilities of those involved in the project. Throughout the project, you will have one contact person who you can turn to at any time.

Keep your Eyes open when selecting your ERP Vendor

The implementation of an ERP system is usually a complex project in which you need sound advice, experience and a real understanding of your company. It is therefore all the more important that you have a trustworthy partner at your side. This partner should not only impress you with their expertise, but also with their transparency, structure and reliability. If you take a close look when you first meet them and take typical warning signs 🚩 seriously, you will avoid costly mistakes and lay the foundations for a successful project.

With us, you will find Clear Communication and Realistic Assessments - without the Usual “Industry Fuss”

At AGOLUTION, we stand for clear communication, realistic assessments and a structured approach. You will look in vain for empty promises and the usual “industry fuss” with us: what we say, we can also implement. And we are open about what we cannot do. Because we believe that a successful ERP project is based on mutual trust and honest advice.

If you are looking for a partner who really understands your processes and doesn’t just want to sell you a system, please contact us.