techhints 
If you are reading this, you are likely in one of two situations:
You need to implement a new ERP system
Your legacy ERP system is outdated
And both of those situations result in a tough talk with business leaders. It’s possible they are not familiar with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, or don’t believe in its business benefits. You know you need to address how manual data entry, dark data, and spreadsheets simply don’t cut it in a modern business environment.
That being said, now is not the time to bulldoze your way into your boss’s office and demand they update their business processes. Before that, you need to arm yourself with research, analysis, and proof. That’s how you convince them to implement an ERP system.
What you need to know about ERP’s ROI, costs, and benefits
Take these points below and add them to your case. The arguments below define how ERP makes business processes more efficient, saves businesses money, and makes their customers much happier.
Vendor demonstrations and customer testimonials
To help with the case for ERP, be sure to mention vendor demonstrations and testimonials. Most vendors are happy to put a spotlight on their product, showcasing its features. Vendor demos are a sure-fire way of highlighting ERP’s many benefits – a key component to your argument. You should also research testimonials provided by actual users of the ERP system you are considering – these are real-life accounts that provide proof that the system is a necessary tool.
ERP success stories
An ERP success story is similar to, but not the same as, a customer testimonial. It is, in essence, a case study. Source a company whose business was revolutionized once they implemented their system. These case studies provide clear distinctions between the past and the present. Search for a success story that demonstrates a clear, momentous shift in business, following the initial implementation.
ERP’s return on investment
In your case, focus strongly on the return on investment (ROI) from implementing the ERP system. Talk the language of money, and your boss is listening. An ERP system saves a business money by drastically reducing labor hours. Business processes are automated – taking away painstakingly, manually entered data, and freeing up time.
Customer experience and satisfaction
ERP is often thought of as a behind-the-scenes system, with little impact on customers. However, it directly impacts their overall experience. Bear in mind, the core responsibility of an ERP system is streamlining business processes. In doing so, you ensure customers are satisfied with the quality of the product and have a smooth, timely delivery.
Data quality
One of the core benefits of an ERP system is the significant improvement it makes to data quality. Implementing an ERP system takes away the need for standalone data quality processes, eliminates data inaccuracies, and generally makes everyone’s life easier.
What you need to know about evaluating and selecting an ERP system
You have your key arguments—the next step is preparing for the evaluation and selection process. Your best option is to do a trial run. It may seem like child’s play, but ERP is an expensive, huge upheaval (that generally puts off bosses). Readying yourself ensures no surprises and will help ease their minds.
Set up your team
In your mock-up, determine your team members. Typically, evaluation is a task in itself—it requires several people, so don’t expect to tackle this alone. Usually, a software evaluation team consists of information technology (IT) staff, sponsors, internal stakeholders, legal reps, and outside experts.
Self-diagnose
It is best practice to research the infrastructure of your company. The goal is to deeply assess each department, outlining its effective and weak points. Thus, pinpointing the exact features required from your ERP system. Keep in mind that the goal is to grow, so you are looking for a system that can keep up with an expanding business.
RFP templates
Familiarize yourself with Request for Proposal (RFP) templates. These are handy spreadsheets that detail each possible feature and function your shortlisted ERP vendor solutions could have. These templates sound time-consuming to prepare, but thankfully, someone has already done the heavy lifting for you. You can find templates for all types of software online, such as ERP RFP templates.
How to approach your boss
You have your key benefits laid out and a clear understanding of the evaluation process. The final step is approaching your boss. This is where all your spent energy is rewarded. Use these steps to bring forward your case:
Grab their attention: showcase the benefits of ERP, including ROI, improved customer satisfaction, and boosted business processes.
Bring to their attention common problems they can relate to. Show how ERP eradicates these issues.
Fear of missing out (FOMO): bring forth your success stories, and add a sense of urgency —your company should get in fast and be ahead of the competition.
Dazzling data: overwhelm everyone with concrete facts and figures
That being said, you must get the timing right. Schedule a meeting with your bosses that best suits them, and one where you will have their full attention.
Going forward
Don’t expect an instant go-ahead. Your bosses need time to let the information sink in and come to the same conclusions as you. If they are hesitant, openly address their concerns and find solutions. You may need several meetings to convince them.
If it’s good news, you know what to do. It’s time to assemble a team full of stakeholders, contact consulting experts, such as TEC, and start filling in those RFPs!
In short, you can get that new ERP system by speaking the language of your superiors. Use facts, figures, and visual aids to assist you in getting your point across. And most of all, remember that if you get push back, it’s likely nothing personal; it’s just a little technophobia, which can be cured through appropriate preparation.
