10 Tips for Switching ERP Vendors /Replacing your ERP Solution in use.
The larger the organization, the more complex are its needs – and this applies to ERP software also. An ERP solution aimed toward small or medium businesses cannot cater to the needs and requirements of a large organization. An organization that requires a lot of flexibility and custom processes may end up with trouble once you onboard a standard ERP. So, there is no exact right or wrong solution when it comes to ERP selection and implementation. Some companies will get adapted to it easily and many will suffer from it due to the limitations and bottlenecks. That is why most companies switch to another ERP solution to maintain its efficiency and overcome the limitations.
Switching from one ERP vendor to another is often harder than it had been to implement the present system within the first place.
Here are 10 useful tips to make a note of before switching from one ERP provider in UAE to another that can help you to make a smooth transition without decreasing the efficiency and productivity of your business:-
1. Opt for vendors with both Cloud and on-premises hosting option
Always better to choose an ERP software e-company who has both cloud and on-premises options. In on-premises software, if you have a server you can host the data on your servers. When it comes to cloud solutions, there will be monthly cloud charges based on the hosting provider. If the software provider is having both options, you can select based on whichever hosting is suited for you.
However, make sure you do everything in your power to improve your current ERP solution because changing vendors will undoubtedly cost you a significant amount of money.
2.Analyse Your Business Needs and Decide On the Best Model
Thoroughly analyse your business needs, as this is the only way to choose the best solution. Based on your business profile, you can opt for an industry-specific solution or a Software Company who provide customized software based on your requirements.
Brainsphere ERP turns out to be a very popular choice for Small, Medium and Large Companies, given the costs associated with operating the systems, the scalability and the increased flexibility and versatility of the software.
3.Analyze the Mechanism of Your Current ERP Solution
To efficiently switch from one ERP vendor to a different, you want to understand how your current ERP solution works and which processes and applications are connected to it. Will your business be seriously impacted if you are taking the ERP system offline while you replace it? Will it have an impact on any other software in use (interconnected), like CRM or e-commerce?
It is important to define these connections before you do deep-dive. Also, it will help you identify potential incompatibility issues between your current applications and processes and the future ERP solution you plan to implement.
4.Do not Take Your Current ERP Solution Offline before Implementing the New One
It is important your current solution remains up and running while testing the new one, no matter how ineffective it is going to be for your business. The chances are that your employees rely heavily on the existing ERP solution, and taking it offline will make it harder for them to deal with human resource functions, inventory or the finances of the business. Make your old ERP system redundant only when you are sure that the new system is working perfectly.
5.Migrate Data from the Old Solution to the New One
Last, but never least, transfer all the data and important information from the old ERP solution to the new one. The data migration can be the most difficult task when it comes to switching ERP vendors in the UAE and other parts of the world, so be prepared and do your research.
If you are unable to do it all by yourself, then ask your vendor for professional help – the chances are that they will help you move the data quickly and effortlessly, as well as to configure and adapt the new ERP system so that it meets the requirements of your business.
6.Evaluate After-Sales Support
Availability of good after-sales support is mandatory with any service providing company. When it comes to ERP Software Companies in UAE, there should be enough number of people available for support and implementation (on-site and/ remote).
7.Training and User Experience
Users are to be trained appropriately for using the new ERP. Learning a new system will take time for everyone so it is always better to select an ERP, which is very user friendly in addition to the other important aspects so that the employee training time can be reduced. Ask the vendors to show a full-fledged demo of the software to check how user-friendly the software is and if required a Proof of Concept (POC)
8.See if the Vendor has adequate Industry Experience.
A better way to understand the software vendor’s industry experience is asking them about the projects they have done in the same industry.
Some vendors have solutions that can cut across many industries, eg. Brainsphere provides custom-made ERP that is fit for various industries.
9.Get References
Ask for a minimum of two or more references of the vendor and it is a must to get feedback from the references provided. If a vendor cannot provide at least three verifiable, satisfied customers, you may be at risk!!
They may not have the right level of experience required to complete your implementation successfully.
10.Technology
Consider the Technological aspect from the software provider like Data security, Ability to integrate with other systems and the ability to make necessary customizations when required.