ERP Software Evaluation and Selection
What is ERP Software? (EAM/ERP Software Evaluation)
What is ERP Software? This is a generic term for Enterprise
Resource Planning Software. ERP covers a range
of activities for improving business efficiency across a number of departments
in an organisation or enterprise.
These departments may include manufacturing, sales, marketing, purchasing, production planning, inventory control, shipping and distribution and even maintenance through a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
ERP Software is designed to integrate all of the above activities
within a single computerised ERP system.
Rationally a business or manufacturing plant will have several computer systems running their enterprise.
They will have one in the warehouse controlling the movement of materials, another handling finance and accounts, another for payroll with perhaps others for HR, purchasing and the maintenance department.
ERP software is therefore very complex
and arguably the most difficult software application to select. Choosing and
implementing an ERP system will affect just about everyone in
an organisation. They all have to learn how to use the new software systems and
quite often this leads to, shall we say, a lack of enthusiasm for its introduction.
When finding and selecting ERP software the following main functions should be considered ...
- Customer and Order Management
- Purchasing Control
- Production Schedule
- Ingredient List
- Inventory Management
- Interface with CMMS system
- Reporting and Analysis
- Integration with Accounting System
- Payroll
- HR (Human Resources)
When using the Spreadsheet for ERP Software Comparison consider the above ERP functions and how they will be applied in your organisation. Remember also that the software evaluation spreadsheet allow you to add your own evaluation factors to the list provided.
Go to the ERP Software Evaluation Spreadsheet
Finding
ERP Vendor Reports on Bitpipe
ERP white papers, product literature, webcasts, and case studies.
