Web-based ERP software is an investment that can have substantial return for a business that wants to create more synergy in their core functions. Making the commitment of time and money that is required to find and establish the right web-based ERP system in a business requires planning and research as well as a careful comparison of the functions and features of each system.

There are many ERP software programs and a broad functionality will be found in these systems. This can make selecting the right program more difficult because you need to have clearly defined what areas of your core functions you want to address with the system. Companies also have unique characteristics and operating procedures that you may want the ERP program to be able to integrate into the system. When there is a need for global transaction analysis and functioning including multi-language and multi-currency, you will need a program that can address those needs as well.

Developing detailed reports of each of the software systems that are being considered will be helpful in narrowing the field of providers. Many ERP systems focus on specific core functions. For example, a world renowned ERP system has developed a reputation by developing a human resources ERP that is unsurpassed.

This system is not effective with other core functions, but if your need if for the broad spectrum of the human resource field, this is a program that would be valuable. Other ERP systems have been built with a focus on other core functions such as manufacturing, tracking, finance, etc. Making sure that the core functions you want to address are included in the ERP system will help you to find those providers that will be able to meet your needs.

Identifying the core functions that you want to address such as finance, human resources, manufacturing, etc., will require that time be spent documenting the details of the processes currently in place in the problem areas. The unique traits that you want to maintain in those processes will need to be presented to the providers you are considering so that they can accurately gauge whether or not their software will be capable of being adapted to meet those needs.

The software will also need to meet the needs of the corporate culture of the organization. Many ERP systems are designed to provide big picture transaction reports that give a broad brush reflection of the operations of the core functions. A CEO or CIO who is very hands-on and likes to have the details of core functions on a regular basis will become very frustrated with a system that is locked and prevents the level of corporate control that is desired.

When the field of providers have been narrowed down to four or fewer, having an onsite demonstration that lasts for several days will help you to test the system and validate its effectiveness. During this time it will be important that both the staff that will be working with the software be given an opportunity to work on the system but the IS staff also be provided time to learn about the software.

The final review of the right web-based ERP software system will be determined after several weeks or months of investigation and evaluation. Once a decision has been made on the right system, it will be necessary for the leadership team to commit to the effort that will be required to implement the system and join the functions of the organization.