Evaluate an ERP Vendor 5 Criteria that
really count

ERP Project: the Right Vendor makes all the Difference

If you are planning to implement an ERP system or replace or upgrade an existing system, it makes sense to rely on the support of an experienced and competent ERP vendor. They will be your reliable partner throughout the entire project, even after the go-live, and will provide you with comprehensive advice. It is important that you choose your vendor carefully.

It is good to have a checklist with relevant criteria, which the vendor must fulfill. What are the individual criteria about in detail? What questions should you ask yourself? We will go through five essential criteria one after the other.

These Five Criteria really matter when evaluating an ERP Vendor

1. Project Experience

If the ERP vendor has extensive experience with ERP projects in companies and has already successfully implemented several projects, this is a big plus. This is because they can advise you all the better on the basis of their accumulated experience. For example, they will recognize pitfalls in the project at an early stage and can take appropriate countermeasures.

An ERP vendor with project experience also knows exactly how an ERP project needs to be structured. This saves you time during planning and implementation, resources can be deployed in a more targeted manner and there are fewer delays.

2. Technological Expertise and System Portfolio

Of course, technology is not completely unimportant either! 😉 Ultimately, it’s about whether the ERP solution of your choice can ensure flexibility and sustainability for your company. The vendor you choose should not just “sell” an ERP system, but should also be able to provide you with expert advice on the ERP system on offer and its integration.

Be sure to clarify the following questions in this context:

• Does the vendor support cloud and on-premises solutions?
• Which programming languages are used in the ERP system?
• What experience does the vendor have with individual customizations and extensions?
• Are they familiar with interfaces, mobile applications and automation?

Your ERP Solution: Is it a Brake or
a Life Preserver?

3. Project Management and Methodology

Good project management contributes significantly to avoiding budget overruns and schedule delays in the project. These questions will help you to evaluate the vendor with regard to this criterion:

• What project methods do they use (e.g. agile, classic, hybrid)?
• How is the project documented, managed and controlled?
• How does communication take place in the project? Which tools and meeting formats are used? Are there communication plans?
• How is the project progress measured and reported? Are there regular status reports or milestone reviews?

4. Training and Further Development

An ERP system must grow with your company. Pay attention to what the vendor offers beyond the go-live.

• Are there training courses for employees?
• How is support organized (response times, availability)?
• Are there regular updates and suggestions for optimization?

Further Training and Lifelong Learning: Will Gamification
become a Game Changer? Eight Success Factors

5. References and Reviews

Real experiences of other customers provide valuable insights into the actual performance, reliability and working methods of a vendor. Often far beyond what presentations or offers show. To get a well-founded picture, you should specifically consider and ask about the following points:

• What references can the vendor provide?
  • How many projects have they already successfully implemented? In which sectors and with which technologies?
  • Are the referenced projects comparable to your own project in terms of scope, complexity or objectives?
• Are there any experience reports from customers?
  • For example, what are the vendor’s ratings/reviews on Google?
• Are certificates or awards available?
  • Does the vendor have certificates that say something about their creditworthiness (e.g. CrefoZert)?
  • Are there any certifications regarding the ERP software (e.g. Microsoft Partner)?
  • How current are the certificates? Are they regularly renewed or kept up to date?

Suitable ERP Vendor: how to make the Right Decision

A good ERP vendor not only impresses with a technically outstanding solution, but also with expertise, a strategic mindset, experience and partnership-based cooperation. We recommend that you invest a little more effort in selecting your vendor in order to be satisfied and successful with your ERP solution (and everything that goes with it) in the long term.

We will be happy to advise you should you require further information on our services. 😊