| If you are ready to switch accounting software for | | | | including companies that specialize in helping people find |
| your business, you know there are hundreds of | | | | partners for the solutions that they want ( for |
| publishers ready to take your money, as well as | | | | example). A partner can help you determine a budget, |
| thousands of system implementers. There are hosted | | | | the number of concurrent users, and the modules that |
| solutions, web-based solutions, pc-based solutions, | | | | you will need. A quality partner should be a solution |
| MAC solutions - the choices are overwhelming. Here | | | | consultant, as opposed to a traditional sales |
| are some things to consider as you begin this process. | | | | representative for whom the sale is more important |
| Allow enough time: The sales cycle for a new ERP | | | | than the "why" or "what". The solution consultant will do |
| Accounting system can last anywhere from three to | | | | an in-depth interview and an on-site analysis to see if |
| six months (for more complicated solutions, nine | | | | their solution might fit your company. The right partner |
| months or more), so it is a given that buying a new | | | | will be there after the sale. They will be there after you |
| system takes time, thought and consideration. | | | | go live for support. Their team members understand |
| Software is divided into three categories: (a) "off the | | | | your business. |
| shelf" (QuickBooks, Peachtree); (b) configurable (MAS | | | | Find the right publisher: The publisher is equally |
| 90, Navision); and (c) customizable (MAS 500, | | | | important. Are they financially stable? Are new |
| Dynamics -GP). | | | | software versions released on a regular basis? Do |
| Understand the benefits of the RFI: Large businesses | | | | they have an adequate number of product |
| making the move to new accounting software usually | | | | installations? |
| start with a Request for Information (RFI). The RFI | | | | Learn from those who have gone before: First-time |
| states what the company requires in the new system | | | | buyers typically let price be the deciding factor. It is |
| and allows potential vendors to submit answers if their | | | | commonly accepted that companies spend between |
| system meets the minimum requirements. The RFI will | | | | one and three percent of their annual revenue on a |
| request what is included in the standard product and | | | | new ERP system, although I personally believe the |
| what, if anything, is a custom or third-party solution. | | | | number is lower. Second-time buyers surveyed |
| Define your business: Do you distribute product, | | | | revealed that price was no longer the determining |
| manufacture product, or both? If you are a | | | | factor, but instead the partner had been raised to |
| manufacturer, are you a process manufacturer, do | | | | number one. |
| you build to order, do you do discrete manufacturing, or | | | | Stay involved: Even with an excellent partner, you |
| do you do a combination? Do you bill based on time | | | | have to stay involved. If you expect to let the partner |
| and materials? The answer to these and many other | | | | do all of the work, you may end up with a solution that |
| questions will help determine the best software solution | | | | is not the right fit. Do not let the price be the deciding |
| for you. | | | | factor - find a great partner (interview at least two to |
| Find the right partner: Having defined your business, | | | | three), find a great publisher (see two to three demos) |
| you can now use Google to search key terms. These | | | | and ask a lot of questions - it will save you time and |
| key terms will point you to a wide array of solutions, | | | | money in the long run. |