Enterprise Resource Planning When It Essay

It is not impossible for a company to end up with ERP systems that they do not need simply because they thought they wanted something and then changed their mind. Conversely, it is also likely that companies will end up with ERP systems that they do not need because they were talked into them by overzealous vendors. The most important thing that vendors know about the implementation of ERP systems is what those systems are capable of doing. The most important thing that the vendors do not know is what the company actually needs and exactly how it will use that system. The best vendors are the ones that take the time to learn what the company really needs and how it will use the ERP system (Krigsman, 2011). By taking the time to do that, and then selling the company an ERP system that will actually work for the company, the vendor and the company both have a higher chance of meeting one another's needs and having a successful partnership.

There is nothing wrong with a company listening to what a vendor has to say and considering what is suggested. In some cases, the vendor can provide surprising insight that the company can take to heart and use (Wailgum, 2010). However, in other cases there may be too much of an emphasis by the vendor on selling a system to the company and not enough emphasis on meeting the needs of that company. Companies that consider that possibility and take more time to research their options are going to be more likely in the long run to get what they need from their ERP vendor. Since ERP systems can be very costly, it is important to get what is needed the first time (Burns, n.d.).Companies who take their time and make the best choice for their needs - along with room to grow - are often the happiest with their ERP system and the vendor that sold them that system.

Allowing a vendor to have too much influence over an ERP system is like allowing that vendor to have control of one's company (Donovan, 2011). That is something that should be avoided and something that can be avoided with careful planning - something that is often ignored by businesses in their haste to purchase and implement an ERP system. As much as getting an ERP system might improve productivity and efficiency, only the right ERP system will actually have that result. Vendors that are interested in and focused on working closely with companies to meet their needs and adjust their ERP system to work properly for their business are the best choices out of an ever-expanding field of vendors that are offering ERP systems to various types of businesses all around the world.

References

Burns, M. (n.d.). How to Select and Implement an ERP. 180 Systems. Retrieved on May 10, 2011 from http://www.accountingweb-cgi.com/whitepapers/ERPWhitePaper.pdf

Krigsman, M. (2011). Enterprise software development from an IT failure perspective Retrieved on July 26, 2010 from http://blogs.zdnet.com/projectfailures/

Wailgum, T. (2010) 5 Easy Steps to ERP Software Success!. CIO Magazine, Retrieved on July 26, 2010 from http://advice.cio.com/thomas_wailgum/5_easy_steps_to_erp_software_success

Donovan, R.M. (2011). Successful ERP Implementation the First Time. Retrieved on May 10, 2011 from http://www.inventoryinc.com/pdf/perfor8.pdf.....