I recently came across a quick-read article with posts from two CIO’s documenting their advice on companies seeking to select a new ERP software system. Their comments summary is:

- Set proper expectations – be realistic.
- Recruit senior management support, buy-in.
- Carefully select the product vendor, someone you can “partner” with.
- Get organization-wide participation, solicit feedback.

Source: Network World, http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/051310-erp-systems-how-hard-can.html?page=1

These two CIO’s did a wonderful job of highlighting key aspects of a software search that are all too often underestimated. This reality isn’t because companies enjoy throwing money at problems in “hope” of finding a fix. Although some businesses are guilty in this regard my experience suggests instead that business leaders are not skilled at finding software. After all, how many people can you name that listed this on their resume? Yea, me neither…

The process to find software, the “right” software, is not just some task or to-do, but rather a project with multiple tasks and milestones. This project requires skill and planning. In fact, I’ll add two specific items to the bullet list above – planning and documentation. It’s interesting how so many software vendors want to jump right in to product implementation once they take on a new client. Likewise, many businesses jump right in to calling vendors and scheduling demos after minimal research. What about planning! What about documentation of your research and findings? I contend that if more software buyers would increase just these two actions alone then a significant amount of time and dollars will be saved by both software buyers and sellers. Tip: Before investing in software, invest in preparation.

Running a business is hard work. Finding software to address your business needs and opportunities can be too, but it doesn’t have to be as hard as we often make it out to be. If you’re business is considering an ERP, or any type software actually, system purchase then be sure to do the fundamental things that you likely already do with other projects within your company – plan and document. Finally, do these two BEFORE reaching out to software vendors directly; in doing so, you’ll save time, money, and be rewarded with an investment that won’t leave you with doubt and regret.

Businesses – what is your process when exploring a new software system?

Vendors – how do you reign in a buyer that’s clearly putting the cart before the horse?

Image credit: © vlorzor – Fotolia.com