Tips on Purchasing the Perfect Manufacturing ERP System
We are finding that as more and more business in the UK and Ireland look to acquire manufacturing ERP applications, many of them struggle to find the right solution the first time around.Naturally the right solution comes from MXI but we are under no illusions and understand that there are countless of other vendors out there, offering a variety of manufacturing ERP solutions that they claim are “the best” or “the most cost-effective”.
So, if we were in the manufactories shoes how would we determine what to manufacturing ERP purchase, who to get it from, and how to most effectively deploy and roll out our manufacturing ERP solution? Here are some tips that will help to dramatically simplify the selection and purchase process, and help any business find the manufacturing ERP software system that is the best fit for their needs.
Selection Manufacturing ERP Tip One: Issue an RFP, while vendors may hate them it is still the best way to determine if a manufacturing ERP software vendor can effectively meet all your needs. Your Manufacturing ERP RFP should ask targeted, pointed questions about a solution’s features and functionality, and inquire about the vendor, its financial stability, its customer base, and the value-added services it offers.
Any Manufacturing ERP RFPs should also clarify the fees and pricing structures, so you’ll know exactly what a solution will cost. Be sure to include a complete checklist of all the capabilities you require, as well as any existing or legacy systems the manufacturing ERP application will need to integrate with.
Selection Manufacturing ERP Tip Two: Always look for scalability, unless you see you business not growing. Like most manufacturers, increases in sales, profits, and market share are probably all on your list of key organizational objectives. Therefore, your goals need to play a big role in your manufacturing ERP strategy. Be sure your manufacturing ERP solution you choose is highly scalable and expandable, so it can easily grow and adapt in the future as your needs change.
Selection Manufacturing ERP Tip Three: Check their references carefully, it can never hurt and our existing clients are only too happy to provide. Have a read through some our Manufacturing ERP case studies to see what you should expect. There is no doubt that solid experience and in-depth expertise in industry-related processes and activities will clearly differentiate one manufacturing ERP vendor from another. So look for a company who has worked closely with several companies who have business models that are somewhat like yours. And ask to speak to existing customers within your industry, or with similar production and supply chain processes, and discuss their experiences with both the manufacturing ERP software and the vendor’s service and support teams.
Selection Manufacturing ERP Tip Four: It is a big investment so take it for a test drive. Nothing can help you determine whether or not a manufacturing ERP solution will deliver tangible, measurable value to your business than a hands-on experience. So look to take it for a test drive to see how it will work in real-world scenarios.
MXI is leading provider of Manufacturing ERP solutions that enable business in the UK & Ireland, to achieve continuous business process improvements. MXI is committed to delivering ongoing customer value; a philosophy that extends throughout our entire company. From product development and support to professional services and account management, MXI continues to refine our customers’ expectations of what a software company can do for them.
Download our free whitepaper on Top 9 Things You Ought To Consider When Choosing an ERP System.