It's natural to be excited to get started with your ERP installation if it's in the future. You've probably been wishing to update your legacy digital systems (ERP application) for a while.

However, before moving on to the next level, be sure you have a strong foundation.

You can set your organization up for long-term ERP adoption success by asking the right questions and taking the time to get the answers.

Before beginning an ERP implementation operation, there are a few key things to ask.

These questions should have been asked long ago, but it doesn't harm to ask them again as a "gut check" between selection and implementation.

Why should CEOs answer questions before finalize ERP application?

ERP application has a bad reputation for being an expensive and time-consuming process that frequently fails to meet expectations.

This is because the selection of software gets more attention than the development of business strategies.

To counter this, here are ten questions that can help CEOs/MDs/Directors/CFOs interested in investing significant resources in new software in identifying the genuine business purpose:

Question 1

What business goals have you set for your organization in the medium to long term, and what challenges do you predict in achieving those goals? Do these issues have anything to do with operational efficiency?

Tip: Make sure that all of your decisions are oriented to achieving the company's goals. Choosing an ERP solution should be backed up by a business case that shows how it will help you achieve your goals.

Question 2

Does the ERP provide worldwide best practices that will help you not only overcome these obstacles but also improve the transparency of your business operations, streamline procedures, increase productivity, and save costs?

Tip: Your organization may have been operating in a specific way up until now.

It may have satisfied the needs up to this point. However, if you aim to expand, your current working method may cause inefficiencies, increased costs, or customer dissatisfaction, or it may completely collapse.

As your company starts on a road of rapid expansion, it's critical that it adopts world-class best practices.

It not only helps in the improvement of your company's efficiencies, but it also helps in the development of positive brand image in the market.

Question 3

Does the ERP vendor have a global track record of success, and are they committed to investing in and improving their ERP software on a regular basis? Is there a product roadmap for the next few years?

Tip: A favorable answers is reassuring since it reflects the product vendor's historical success and dedication to existing and future consumers.

Question 4

Does the ERP software use the most up-to-date technology?

Tip: Technology is changing at a faster rate than it has ever been.

Not only is it critical that your ERP works on modern technology, but it's also critical that the ERP vendor has the capability and willingness to continually upgrade its product to keep pace with growing technology so that you may continue to enjoy the benefits.

Question 5

Can the ERP product be used in both a cloud and on-premise environment?

Tip: Both competencies are critical because the company's future business climate may require it to switch from one model to another.

Question 6

Is the solution scalable? Will it, in other words, be able to support your company's activities even if it triples in size over the following few years?

Tip: If you answer yes to this question, your investment in the solution will be long-term, resulting in significantly bigger rewards spread out over many years.

Question 7

Is the ERP flexible enough to make it easier for users configuration/customization if necessary?

Tip: Because company conditions can change quickly, flexibility is crucial. If making minor modifications is a time-consuming and expensive procedure, the ERP application will be difficult to maintain and may eventually become obsolete.

Question 8

Is the ERP software simple to use and implement?

Tip: The future of the new ERP product is ultimately decided by the end users. If users find it difficult to use, they may either reject it outright or spend an unnecessary amount of time to adopt it unwillingly, losing the company of any anticipated business benefits from the ERP investment.

Question 9

Is it simple to integrate the ERP product with other applications?

Tip: It's critical in today's world for your ERP system to be able to operate in a collaborative solution footprint. In reality, it should serve as the backbone for peripheral systems designed for specialty tasks that function independently but are tightly connected with the ERP system.

Question 10

Is the ERP system's Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) low?

Tip: Total cost of ownership (TCO) covers the cost of ERP software, the cost of implementation, and the cost of maintaining the solution and its environment over time.

Conclusion

When you know the right ERP implementation questions to ask, you can engage your team in discussions on important topics that require approval, support, and alignment.

Schedule a consultation with us to help you understand the SAP Business One ERP further and conduct an inspection before finalizing the use of ERP

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