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Step 2: ERP request for information (RFI) & introductory demonstrations
See which ERP vendors meet your high-level software requirements with the E21 ERP RFI template.
Prepare your ERP request for information
Prepare your ERP request for information
What the ERP RFI process entails
The ERP RFI step of the software selection process allows you to solicit information from a long list of potential ERP vendors. It also provides a structured methodology for reducing the list to a more manageable number. The final few selected software suppliers then conduct initial demonstrations for the ERP selection team.
To narrow the selection, the RFI phase of the ERP software selection process must help organizations do the following:- Document critical success factors.
- Begin to determine how each software supplier’s capabilities might align with these factors.
Without the above factors clearly defined, the RFI process stalls as there is no clear framework for decision-making.
Use the E21 ERP RFI template to get started
Now that your organization has identified the need for a new ERP system, the next milestone is to define the specifics of those needs in an ERP Request for Information (RFI) document.
The RFI document must help you review each software supplier’s policies, procedures, and initial cost estimates as it relates to:- ERP implementation
- Software upgrades
- Annual maintenance
- Technical support
We compiled an E21 ERP RFI template you can download and use. It provides a starting point for building your initial requirements list. Once you’ve updated the template with your company’s details, you can send the RFI to potential ERP vendors.
Of course, not all requirements defined in the RFI template will be relevant to all manufacturing and distribution organizations. Every business is unique. However, the template provides the framework you’ll need to get started on a comprehensive RFI.
As you update the template with your company’s details, it’s essential to interview managers and project leads in each department. That way, you can ensure you’ve reflected the software requirements of all your organization’s departments in your RFI.
ERP RFI results — establishing a shorter list
ERP RFI results — establishing a shorter list
Not all ERP vendors are equal
As you proceed with your RFI process, please remember that not all ERP vendors are equal. The ERP RFI process allows you to consider the full range of software suppliers that could serve your organization. The process then quickly eliminates those that miss the mark in meeting your organization’s high-level requirements. Additionally, many ERP vendors may elect not to respond to your RFI due to their inability to meet specific requirements or lack of experience in your particular industry.
Rather than having the selection team sit through dozens of ERP software demonstrations, the RFI responses should provide a mechanism to limit the number of introductory ERP vendor demonstrations from the five to ten ERP vendors whose offerings most closely align with your organization’s needs.
Successful ERP software selection projects must follow the right system evaluation process and methodology. Following and executing these five steps of the ERP selection process will provide your organization with the necessary information to make a well-informed, quantitative software selection.
The E21 ERP software selection process consists of five key phases:
RFI & Introductory Demonstrations
One ERP solution. Dozens of integrations.
Extending CRM Concepts in ERP Systems
Extending CRM Concepts in ERP Systems
CRM software functionality—when considered within the scope of an ERP system—must go beyond that of basic contact management.
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