by Thomas Wailgum

5 Easy Steps to ERP Software Success!

Opinion
Jan 27, 2010
Enterprise Applications

ERP selection, implementation and integration are as easy as 1, 2, 3--and 4 and 5! But don't forget the fine print.

We live in an age where “Quick Tips,” 1-2-3 How To’s, soundbytes and 140-character messages can explain just about everything as well as solve all of life’s problems. Can that same thinking work with traditional enterprise software?

You betcha! Just follow these “5 Easy Steps” to ERP Success!*

1. Meet with ERP vendor, get taken to expensive sporting event/dinner by sales rep, and select appropriate software package. (And don’t forget to send the check!)

2. Install ERP system!

3. Integrate with other systems. (Repeat as necessary.)

4. Provide thick “How To” manuals—chock-full of Clipart—to users!

5. Sit back, relax and enjoy your new ERP system!*

  *Buyer beware

*Successful implementation results not typical

*Past performance is not indicative of future results and/or success and/or failure

*Our lawyers own the proprietary, secretive rights as to what “success” legally means

*If you break the license agreement, we have the right to seek monetary damages and/or the ownership of your first-born child

*We are protected by various safe harbor statutes and our array of aggressive, insolent Ivy League lawyers

*Please do not feed the technology or look at it in the eyes

*Mention of the terms “cloud computing,” “SaaS,” “on-demand” or “choice” will result in additional fees

*Our CEO will not be available for comment

*You voluntarily assume the risk of any software defects and/or disruptions to your business operations

*Don’t blame us if the users don’t want to use our software

*Caution: ERP integration is challenging work and should be handled only by highly compensated system-integration consultants who didn’t actually win your business in the first place and will ultimately be known as the “JV Squad”

*All sales final

*Buyer beware (Really, we mean it)

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