ERP Consultants: Is the Promise of Knowledge Transfer just part of the Sales Pitch?

By |February 10th, 2010|

Most ERP projects promise to transfer software knowledge from the consultants to the client. Once a project is over however, the client is often clueless about how to make software configuration changes, and may even struggle with performing basic transactions in the system. So what gives? Even though many aspire for successful knowledge transfer, most businesses lack a real strategy to make it more than just a dream. Secondly, when push comes to shove, we often set learning to the side and thi [...]

Breakthrough Project Success: 3 of 4, Vendor Selection and Contracts

By |January 18th, 2010|

7 steps to cut through the sales techniques used by vendors during the actual proposal and presentation process. Tactics, strategies, and techniques for getting past the sales pitches to the substance of the proposal and selecting the best possible IT system vendor for the best possible project results. These steps help to filter out the distracting information to focus on what really matters to your company.

ERP and SAP Business Case for ROI, Business Benefit, and Success

By |November 23rd, 2009|

Your company’s SAP or ERP business case should start before your RFP, not just at a high level. Before ever issuing an SAP RFP, you need to take some time up front to get educated and develop some key understanding. Educated software buyers are more sophisticated in their research, and the more sophisticated you are, the better results you will receive. The more educated you are: The better the quality of the ERP RFI or RFP, The better choice you will make at vendor selection, The more objectiv [...]

Screening and Interview Methods to Find the Right Consultant – Part 2

By |November 18th, 2009|

Previously, I wrote on the subject of finding the right SAP consultant and how you can avoid getting ripped off. That previous article, Screening Methods to Find the Right SAP Consultant, has been widely read and well accepted. Companies are tired of being ripped off with the lack of results or ROI from their large IT systems implementations. At the foundation of SAP or any IT consulting is communication: clear, concise, easy-to-understand communication. If your SAP candidate cannot speak clear [...]

ERP Business Case: Do You Really Need a New System?

By |November 1st, 2009|

In many cases, those pushing for a new ERP system are comparing the worst of the current environment to an idealistic ERP concept. Sometimes the best way to avoid a train wreck is not to get on the train. In other words, do you really need a new ERP system, and if so, is now the right time to proceed? Performing an honest and thorough assessment of business needs and alternatives is an important part of taking ownership in the ERP business case. These questions are not popular to ERP enthusiast [...]