How to select ERP for business is a very important question to make for any business, be it in retail, distribution, manufacturing, services or SMEs. The best ERP systems bring together a range of functions such as accounting, inventory and HR. While demos and pricing are important, make sure to have detailed discussions with vendors about implementation, costs, data security, support, integrations, and scalability. A detailed assessment of vendors can help to understand the items being acquired, thus avoiding any unexpected expenses downstream. Searching on what to ask before buying erp software is very important and this blog tells you exactly that.
1. Is the ERP Suitable for My Business?
The first question is business fit – will this ERP be able to support us with our business processes?
Request the provider to provide examples of their workflows based on scenarios in your business rather than the standard features.
One great method to take into consideration when choosing an ERP system for business is to create your needs prior to your vendor meetings. State the issues the ERP should address and have all the ERP system provider in Pakistan show you how their solution meets them.
2. What is involved in the implementation?
Do not take it for granted that simply buying ERP software in Pakistan is enough; there’s a lot more you need to get it running.
Ask:
- Is configuration included?
- Are integrations included?
- Does it include data migration?
- How many reports and customisations are provided?
- Who will be conducting tests?
- Does user training come with it?
- What to do once it launches?
The scope of work should be included in a written agreement and should define what is and is not covered.
3. What will be the exact cost of the ERP?
The price of the license or subscription is just one component of the total price. When evaluating what to ask prior to making an ERP purchase, ask for a detailed cost report.
Also inquire if the price can be raised at renewal and if there are any minimum contracting terms or termination fees. The multi-year total cost of ownership is a better comparison than just a single quote.
4. What does ERP data migration from old software look like?
A part that many tend to ignore when it comes to ERP projects is ERP data migration from the old software.
Ask the provider:
- Which historical data can be carried over?
- What are the data formats?
- What will be done with duplicate or incorrect records?
- Who approves the moved information?
- How many migration test runs do you have?
- What do you do if migration issues are identified?
- What will happen to the availability of the old records after the implementation?
It is advisable to plan, test and validate data migration before go-live. It is crucial that your company also is clear about what is part of your team and what is part of the ERP provider.
5. Does ERP Fit Pakistani Tax and Business Rules?
If you’re a business based in Pakistan, ask specifically about the requirements in the locale and not presume that the software supports them.
For instance, FBR is already ready to offer requirements and technical documentation for digital invoicing integrations.
There is also a current list of licensed integrators in the FBR publication to ensure that the integration arrangement can be verified by the business.
6. What security and back-up measures are offered?
Your ERP software in Pakistan could include financial records, employee information, customer information, inventory information, and business transactions. Inquire about the location of the system and about the security systems used.
Important questions include:
- Is data encrypted?
- How frequently are backups taken?
- What are the backup policies?
- What is the time required to bring the data back?
- Does role based access exist?
- Do users have their activity recorded?
- If a security incident occurs, how will it be dealt with?
7. What Support Will We Receive After Go-Live?
Implementing is just the start. Support will be required by staff members at the outset when they begin to use the system in their working practices.
Make sure you have service level agreements in writing – don’t just take it on faith.
8. Does the ERP Scale with our business?
Your ERP system should grow as your business grows. Discuss options for adding users, branches, warehouses, products, companies and modules without replacing the whole system.
Inquire also about APIs and other integrations with banking platforms, e-commerce, POS, payroll, CRM and other software. The long-term value and cost of an ERP can be greatly affected by its technical architecture and integration capabilities.
9. We can talk to current customers?
When it comes to finding an ERP software provider in Pakistan like hisaab.pk, ask for references for companies with similar size and in the same industry. Also request to speak to existing clients to find out how long it takes to implement, the quality of support, any additional cost, system performance and problems faced. Real customer experience can reveal real life challenges that can’t be found in sales demos.