Checklist for choosing the correct SAP ERP Implementation Partner

ERP systems are not off the shelf, software type configure-and-forget. A business owner planning to implement ERP for their organization must realize that they are beginning a journey that will continue as long as the solution is in operation and their business and selecting the SAP ERP Implementation partner is very critical

Even the most experienced industry experts would be confused by the ever-changing world of software solutions. Entrepreneurs who know about private company off the rack kind of software solutions will discover a lot of new attributes in choosing the correct vendor. From this time forward picking the right SAP Implementation partner is critical.

Maybe selecting the right ERP implementation partner is just as important as selecting the right ERP software for your company. When adding new technology to your business, it’s easy to go wrong, so getting this decision right is crucial.

So how would you pick the correct partner? Your objective ought to be to limit that rundown down to a couple of vendors by filtering your options using the following checklist.

Following is the checklist for selecting the SAP ERP Implementation partner1. Does this Implementation partner have expertise in your industry and they have a strong track record?

When choosing a partner, a significant factor to consider is whether or not the company you are investigating has a proven track record. Check to see if the firm has successful implementation case studies. Ask for referrals from them. See if you can talk to those referrals beyond that.

You may find reliable information about the partner by talking to companies that have already worked with the partner in question, and you can even get tips and insider advice on how to work with them. It is essential that the partner you want to work with is accurate, and one way to conclude that is to look at their track record.

Your ERP Implementation partner must have a proven track record in your industry in spite of having a proven track record in general. Various industries have different prerequisites, and the more vertically your partner is aware of your business, the more they’ll have the option to adjust the product to your specific needs. This is essential because, in order to oblige the new software, companies implementing an SAP ERP system will have to make some adjustments to their enterprise.

If the partner has experience in implementing your industry beforehand, it will surely be a plus. Before the actual solution is finalized and signed off, the vendor will also be able to collaborate you on various scenarios.

The more the software fits the processes you already have, the less your business will have to change, and therefore the less expensive and time-consuming it will be.

2. Does the ERP Implementation Partner right sized and have sufficient resources to support sap implementation?

ERP Implementation does not necessarily succeed or fail based solely on the size of the organization. The partner should be right-sized to match the size of the organization in order to obtain maximum commercial benefits with reduced risks.

Another cause to inspect track record is to see whether your ERP implementation partner has prior experience with your size and scope companies. Would they have enough resources to handle your size implementation? In case you’re a worldwide organization, have they taken care of worldwide ERP implementation previously? All of this is critical to know.ERP Implementations will require post Go live support. Explore the vendor’s support options and overall ownership costs for 5 years.

3. Your company uses free demo / POC cases

It is safer to insist on a demo or concept proof for your business use cases and assess your business processes ‘ level of understanding.

4. They utilize an agile methodology for software development.

A Common Occurrence in ERP implementations is for new data to become known all through the implementation process. You might have certain thoughts in advance and change them after some time. It’s significant that the ERP partner can alter the software/SAP implementation process because of the new requests and be adaptable dependent on evolving conditions.

Understand the vendor’s proposed implementation methodologies and determine if they are appropriate for your business. Some recommend agile methods while others may suggest waterfall methodologies.

5. Effective Training / Change Management plan

This is another key criterion for selecting the vendor. Without an effective user training and change management plan, the ERP journey may fail.

6. Senior leadership involvement in the implementation phase

Insist on the commitment of the senior management of the vendor to be part of the implementation cycle of the project. To ensure the smooth execution of the project, their presence in the Steering Committee is of utmost importance. They can also help to reduce short delays in decision-making.

7. Few visits/calls to customers

Insist on meeting these projects as site visits and talking to their existing customers. Also ask about the performance of the supplied consultants, areas of interest, weaknesses, and strengths.

8. Earlier Implementation Quality awards / Accolades by the OEM

The awards will constitute the quality processes and their technical expertise followed by the SAP ERP implementation partner.