Evaluating ERP Manufacturing Software
Looking for an ERP Manufacturing Software Solution? Not sure what to look for? Here are a few things you should consider when looking to purchase your ERP Manufacturing Solution.
Implementation Period
How soon does your company need the new manufacturing solution?
The time it takes to implement new software can vary from hours to months. Consider the time and hassle it takes to implement the solution and if your company can handle the longer implementation periods for the more complicated manufacturing solutions.
How much are you willing to pay up front?
Timely implementation periods are also very costly as well. Consider how much your company is willing to spend on an implementation and whether or not it fits into the company budget. Implementation costs can vary widely with some SaaS solutions having little or no associated implementation costs while some on premise solutions require costly hardware and software upgrades that require a lot of time and money.
Pricing
What is the company budget for this solution?
Get a sense of a reasonable amount the company is willing to spend on this new solution. Understanding how much the company can budget for this will save lots of time and hassle as it will quickly eliminate solutions that are out of the company’s price range. Also, consider the pay structure and pay model of any considered solutions. Some solutions require high up front costs with monthly maintenance fees while other solutions many require no up front cost but could charge monthly based on the number of users. How a company chooses to charge for their services varies widely. Do your research and find out what the company would be paying in the long run for the different solutions.
Features
What features are your company looking for in the solution?
Understanding the needs of your company is critical in being able to select a solution that will solve your company’s problems. Although a solution may be packed with features, many of them may be useful or irrelevant to what your company needs. Evaluate your own company and determine your needs. Then look at different manufacturing solutions and identify the features of each and how they will help solve your company’s needs.
Proceed to the features page for more in depth information on useful manufacturing software features.
Scalability
Does your company plan to grow soon?
Stay a step ahead by planning for future growth. Choosing an easily scalable solution can save the company plenty of headaches in the long run. Some manufacturing solutions are much more scalable than others. Take company growth into consideration and consider how well the manufacturing solution you choose can grow with your company.
Feedback
What are other people saying about the solution?
Make sure to look at case studies and research to find out what other companies are saying about this solution. Look for reviews and reports that detail the company’s solutions. Also, look at any awards the company may have received for its solution to gauge its performance.