If you are selecting enterprise software, then consider using the following checklist for evaluation:
1. Product
- Depth of Solution: Evaluate the comprehensiveness of the ERP solution in meeting all the business needs.
- Complexity (Integrations): Assess how complex the system is, especially regarding integrations with other tools and systems.
- R&D (Ongoing Enhancements and Features): Determine the vendor’s investment in research and development to continuously improve the product.
- Support and Training: Evaluate the quality and availability of support and training resources like online universities or help resources.
- Investment in Product and Roadmap: Assess the vendor’s commitment to the future development and enhancement of the product.
- Staff Familiarity with Product: Consider if your current or future staff has/may have previous experience with the product.
- In-the-Box Offerings: Evaluate how much functionality is available out-of-the-box to minimize the need for costly customizations.
2. People
- Executive Sponsorship: Assess the level of engagement and support from the vendor’s executive team.
- Management Support: Evaluate the quality of management support provided by the vendor.
- Availability of Experienced Local Consultants: Check the availability and expertise of consultants in the local region.
- Options for Engaging Other Consulting Firms: Consider the flexibility to engage with other consulting firms for additional product specific support.
3. Company
- Financial Stability: Evaluate the financial health and stability of the ERP vendor.
- Risk of Acquisition: Assess the risk of the vendor being acquired by competitors, which could affect product and support continuity.
4. Total Cost of Ownership
- Licenses: Consider the cost of software licenses.
- Annual Support: Assess the yearly support costs.
- Implementation Cost – ERP Vendor: Evaluate the costs quoted by the ERP vendor for implementation.
- Implementation Cost – Internal Project Execution: Consider the internal costs associated with project execution, like business analysts, project managers, and staff secondments.
- Implementation Cost – Consulting Services: Assess the costs for external consulting services, including project management, vendor management, assurance, and governance.
Rating and Comment Table Template (Enterprise Software Selection Checklist):
| Factor | Rating (1-10) | Comments |
| Depth of Solution | ||
| Complexity (Integrations) | ||
| R&D (Ongoing Enhancements and Features) | ||
| Support and Training | ||
| Investment in Product and Roadmap | ||
| Staff Familiarity with Product | ||
| In-the-Box Offerings | ||
| Executive Sponsorship | ||
| Management Support | ||
| Experienced Local Consultants | ||
| Engagement Options with Other Firms | ||
| Financial Stability | ||
| Risk of Acquisition | ||
| Licenses Cost | ||
| Annual Support Cost | ||
| Implementation Cost – ERP Vendor | ||
| Implementation Cost – Internal | ||
| Implementation Cost – Consulting Services |
