When shopping for an ERP system, you may hear two terms used interchangeably, \u201cERP implementation partner\u201d, or \u201cERP partner\u201d for short and \u201cERP vendor.\u201d While some people may sometimes treat \u201cERP partner\u201d and \u201cERP vendor\u201d as the same thing, they\u2019re not.<\/p>\n
To differentiate the two, think of an ERP vendor as a clothing store, which sells suits of all shapes, sizes and colors and an ERP partner as a tailor who helps you make the basic suit you\u2019ve just bought uniquely yours. They might adjust the sizing or add a bit of flair to match your unique needs and personality.<\/p>\n
Your ERP vendor is the firm that created and sells your ERP software. Their customer support focuses on how to use their product, not on how to implement\/customize the software to fit your business\u2019s needs and install it. That\u2019s your ERP partner\u2019s job. The consultants who work for an ERP partner company are experts in the solutions they support. They generally specialize in certain industries. So, they understand your business needs on a deeper level than the ERP vendor, who markets to a wide swath of industries, ever could.<\/p>\n
You may or may not buy your system through your ERP partner, depending on which ERP you choose. Either way, they\u2019ll be the ones you count on to get the system up and running, tweak it to ensure a good fit, supply user training and be your first line of defense when you have an issue.<\/p>\n
Sure, change is inevitable, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s easy. A key cause of ERP project failure is poor user adoption. An ERP partner knows this and has experience helping businesses overcome these roadblocks. They should help ensure you have:<\/p>\n
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A key feature in any modern ERP is its ability to help you automate time-consuming, tedious processes. To maximize its impact, your implementation partner will give you an objective opinion to uncover places where you might benefit from automation and set up the workflows in the system.<\/p>\n
Yes, your staff may need to adjust their routines, but keep an open mind. Listen to the recommendations your ERP implementation partner is presenting and remember this. Just because you\u2019ve worked a particular way for many years doesn\u2019t mean that\u2019s still the best way to achieve your end goals. The efficiency gains which come from maximizing your ERPs automation tools will be well worth the inconvenience of tailoring your processes.<\/p>\n
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An experienced ERP partner has seen everything. They\u2019ve dealt with every business size and type, a variety of industries, and have worked with several ERP systems. This experience lays the foundation for a successful implementation. Instead of being a guinea pig, you\u2019ll benefit from other\u2019s mistakes and shield yourself from unnecessary risks.<\/p>\n
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If you\u2019ve worked with an ERP before, you know vendors supply regular software updates with the freshest and best features. These make users\u2019 jobs easier, and your business run smoother. However, to use these updates, users may need some training. ERP partners may deliver this via online materials such as blogs, email newsletters or virtual courses, or they may offer live training. Either way is fine, if assuming it meets the needs of your team.<\/p>\n
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ERPs are complex pieces of software, each with more capabilities than meets the eye. To get the most out of them, you need an ERP partner to guide you into your system\u2019s dark corners. The right ERP partner knows your system\u2019s full range of capabilities, allowing them to unearth hidden gems you can put to good use.<\/p>\n
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Human nature tells us to favor the comfortable, so a major change like redefining how a person does their job will make some uneasy. But with the right support during and following the go live phase of your ERP implementation, your partner can ease these natural fears and encourage adoption.<\/p>\n