When it comes to selecting new ERP or accounting software to run their businesses, most companies eventually run into the big 'what if' question:

'What if this all turns out to be a big costly mistake?'

It is a daunting task. But there's good news: By knowing what you need to look out for beforehand, you can help your company take that first step towards making the right decisions.

1. Begin with an end in mind

Many companies get stuck at this part. Knowing what your company really needs – and not just what an individual says he/she needs, is the first step towards selecting the right software.

• Know what key reports and information you want to get from the system. This should be information that drives your business.
• Focus on the “must-haves”, before looking at the “nice-to-haves”
• Know your people’s capabilities first, before preparing for change. Some users take a longer time to learn and adapt to new processes, so you need to factor this in during implementation.

2. Budget for professional services, not just software

Reputable ERP software isn’t usually sold off-the-shelf, so you need to set aside budget for implementation services. This is the key to a successful deployment. The costs vary, but the general consensus for a typical mid-market implementation cost ratio for services to software is 1:1, or even higher for more complex projects.

3. Check the software’s future

While price is important, it’s also important to ensure your software is not going to be obsolete in the next few years. Check to see if the company behind the software boasts a reliable global reputation, and has the financial capacity to invest in ongoing research and development (R&D). SAP, for instance, has a clear R&D roadmap for SAP Business One that extends as far as the year 2014, and more.

You’re welcome to contact us if you need advice on how to select the right software for your company.

At AFON, we are the only solutions provider in Singapore that offers three of the most powerful and popular ERP solutions for small and midsize businesses – SAP Business One, Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Sage Accpac ERP.

With over 400 clients across Asia, and a slew of multiple awards including Top Provider in Singapore and Asia, we have what it takes to transform a good software into a great solution.


You might also be interested in:

Sage Accpac ERP. Auditors love this software
SAP Business One. Multiple benefits in one solution
Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Innovation that works the way you work