Selecting Software

Installing the Right ERP Software

Improve your competitive edge by selecting and installing the right ERP software while increasing access to quality information.

By successfully selecting and installing the right ERP software, machine shops improve their competitiveness by increasing access to and use of quality information for functions including:

Fast and accurate estimating and quoting

Real-time cost tracking and costing

Raw material calculators and automated inventory control

Extensive part history, copy functions, and the ability to refresh quote rates

Automatic scheduling and capacity planning

Based on our experience gained during the last three decades of helping companies effectively select and install machine shop ERP software, we offer the following initial suggestions as you evaluate options for selecting ERP software for use within your business.

Product Spotlight

A Guide to Choosing ERP Software

When Planning, Identify and Address the “Big Three” Topics:

PEOPLE. PROCESS. TECHNOLOGY.

Read enough articles about selecting and installing ERP software and you will find the words “people,” “process, and “technology” are used often, for good reason.

The terminology may change somewhat but the general message is normally the same. Experienced managers know successful software implementation involves effective project management which takes into consideration the key people involved (staff, customers, suppliers), business processes (existing and those required for future use) and technology (software, hardware, network and more).

Document Your Requirements and Goals for the New Software

It is important to start by documenting your operations, taking into consideration the previously referenced people, process, and technology factors.

Once documented, you will have a starting point to begin evaluating ERP software and better understand how to approach using the new software within your business.

Terminology is also important to document as companies often use different terms within their operations. Common categories which are documented within this step include:

Overall software requirements

Complete list of reports including who uses them and how they are used

Administration and security

Connectivity/interactivity between departments and software applications

Usage requirements such as for remote connectivity from outside the building

Vendor requirements and available services such as planning assistance, hands-on-integration, training, post-installation support and software updates

Project costs for hardware, software, training and support

Manage the Process of Selecting ERP Software

Treat the selection and installation of ERP software like any other serious project. Key actions include:

Define the project scope

Document the specification requirements, especially as it relates to generating, accessing and creating data reports

Assign the project manager and team members

Decide on the decision-making process, including who has authority to represent the company

when working with your software supplier/integrator

Determine how project status will be tracked and reported including regular opportunities for communications

Build a plan which provides for an appropriate level of flexibility including specifications and requirements

Henning Software will help you each step of the way from identifying and documenting needs to determining how our software can meet your business requirements.

Again, let me begin by saying how much I enjoyed the Visual EstiTrack User Conference this year. I always walk away with a better understanding of EstiTrack and it helps all of us at Highland Products to keep using the program to its fullest potential.

Jeanne Wojciechowiczwww.highlandproducts.com, Mentor, OH