How to select and implement an ERP system
If you or your clients are new to the concept of Enterprise Resource Planning systems, but think this tool might be useful, you need someplace to start. Michael Burns, MBA, CA, founder and president of 180 Systems has written a whitepaper that explains the basics of determining what is an ERP system, is it something that you need, how do you choose a system, and once you've got an ERP system, how do you implement it effectively.
This document helps readers distinguish between ERP systems and accounting systems, and also provides guidance for establishing goals in selecting and using an ERP system. Start by understanding the business process, start to finish, and defining how to measure success in terms of saving money, increasing revenue, increasing market share, or whatever is significant in the particular circumstance.
Burns recommends involving employees in the planning process in order to tap the knowledge of workers at all levels.
The whitepaper provides suggestions for how to choose a vendor that will help find a product to meet the specific needs of the company, and then explains how to select the ERP system that will help the company achieve its goals.
Burns explains how to calculate the cost of an ERP system, including the consideration of both direct and indirect costs that go beyond the cost of hardware and software. He then discusses methods for successfully implementing the ERP system, keeping in mind the tools for measuring the success of the project.
Download How to Select and Implement an ERP System today.
About Michael Burns:
Michael Burns, MBA, CA, is president of 180 Systems, which provides independent consulting services, including business process review, system selection, and business case development. He can be reached at (416) 485-2200; mburns@180systems.com.
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