ERP selection
ERP selection, based on how you actually work
Why selection goes wrong
Most poor ERP choices come from the same few mistakes: picking from a demo rather than from requirements, comparing vendors on different scenarios, ignoring total cost over several years, and choosing the product without looking hard at the partner who will implement it.
A good selection fixes that by making the business's own processes the yardstick. Every vendor is tested against the same scenarios, with the same sample data, in front of the people who will use the system.
How our ERP selection works
- 01
Process mapping
We map the processes that matter: quote to cash, procure to pay, inventory, production or projects, and month end. See business process mapping. - 02
Requirements and priorities
Requirements written as business scenarios, ranked into must-have, important and nice-to-have, and agreed with the people who own each process. - 03
Long list to short list
We consider general ERPs and industry systems, then narrow to three or four that genuinely fit your size, industry and budget. - 04
Scripted demonstrations
Vendors or partners demonstrate your scenarios with your sample data. Your team scores each scenario on a common sheet. - 05
Total cost and partner review
We compare licences or hosting, implementation, integration, data migration, training and support over several years, and check references and the delivery team. - 06
Recommendation and roadmap
A written recommendation with the reasons, the risks, and a phased implementation plan you can take to the board or owners.
What you receive
- Current-state process maps for the key processes
- A requirements catalogue written as business scenarios
- A shortlist with the reasons each option is on it
- Demo scripts and completed scoring sheets
- A total cost comparison on a like-for-like basis
- A recommendation report and phased implementation roadmap
Vendor neutral, and open about it
We compare the options Australian businesses commonly evaluate, including ERPNext, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, NetSuite, Odoo, MYOB Acumatica and SAP Business One, plus industry systems where relevant. We have particular depth in ERPNext, and we say so at the start. If we would also be a candidate to implement the chosen system, we declare it before the selection begins.
Sometimes the right answer is not a new ERP at all. If your current accounting system plus one well-integrated tool will do the job, we will tell you.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is ERP selection?
ERP selection is the structured process of choosing an ERP system: defining requirements from your business processes, building a shortlist, testing candidates with scripted demonstrations, comparing total cost and partners, and making a documented recommendation.
How long does an ERP selection take?
It depends on the number of processes, entities and stakeholders, and how quickly vendors can schedule demonstrations. We agree a timetable at the start and keep the shortlist small so the process stays focused.
Do you only recommend ERPNext?
No. ERPNext is one of the options we know well, but the selection is run on your scenarios and scored by your team. Business Central, NetSuite, MYOB Acumatica, Odoo, SAP Business One or an industry system may fit better, and we will say so.
How do I choose an ERP vendor or partner?
Look beyond the product. Ask who will do the work, what they have implemented for businesses like yours, how they handle data migration and training, what support looks like after go-live, and how changes are priced. Speak to references without the partner on the call.
Can you help after the selection?
Yes. We can implement the chosen system where it is one we deliver, help you manage another partner's implementation, or build the integrations around it. You are not obliged to use us beyond the selection.
Talk to us about your ERP or IT
Tell us where things stand and what is getting in the way. We will tell you plainly whether and how we can help.