I thought I would put together a list of things to consider when looking at buying a cheap or expensive ERP Software Suite. The majority of expensive software will be purchased from a Western European or North American company. They’re many reasons why the price of North American and Western European ERP Software is more expensive and to help you understand I have compiled a list to share with you.

•    Well spoken English Communication
•    Quality Workmanship
•    Excellent Customer Service
•    Detailed Understanding of the Industry
•    Very Educated in the Software for Support and Trouble Shooting
•    Specific Modifications and Customizations
•    Advanced On site Training and Implementation
•    On site and or Remote Software Support

•    Major Communication Issues
•    Less Customization
•    Lack of Detailed Industry Specific Functionality (Turnkey Solutions)
•    Remote Support, Training, and Implementation
•    Out of the Box ERP System
•    Web Based ERP Suite
•    Lack of System Knowledge and Trouble Shooting

Many factors come into play when purchasing an expensive or cheap ERP Software Suite. This decision will determine how successful you company will be now and in the future. Operating your company efficiently and productively should be of most importance and far greater than saving a few thousand dollars.

What you have to remember is your company will be using this software daily and calling in for support. Will your company receive adequate and proper training? If you have communication barriers not allowing your employees to get the proper support and or training your company as a whole will suffer.

What should you look for in an ERP Vendor?

1.    Ensure the company is in your country and speaks your language.
2.    Ask detailed questions about customization and modifications.
3.    Determine if the support and training will ensure success within your company.
4.    Look at their current client list and see if you fit in this industry.
5.    Ensure you’re allowed modifying the software internally within the company.
6.    Ensure you have the ability to still receive the greatest and latest upgrades from the company.
7.    Hourly rate of the programmers when support or training is needed.
8.    Employees in North America and Western Europe get paid much more than in India or other countries.
9.    Determine the skill level of the ERP Vendors programmers. Ask advanced questions and see how long it takes to get an answer back. You don’t want to end up with an ERP vendor that has two or three smart people and a gym full of monkeys.
10.    Do your research. Talk to other company’s that use their software and see if they’re happy with their service.

The morale of the story is this.  Just because you get cheap software system doesn’t mean it’s the best solution to your needs.

There’s a reason the software is cheap so do your research.

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