Creating the Perfect RFP for an ERP Software Evaluation
Years ago, selection and advisory firms would push the importance of documenting an ERP Request for Proposal (RFP) when completing a software selection. In recent years, however, many organizations have moved away from formalizing this process. The reasons for this are many, specifically that software vendors have nearly perfected the art of manipulating these documents. […]
Risks of Microsoft Dynamics 365 System Integrators
Choosing a technical system integrator is an important decision for any digital transformation. But the risks of Microsoft Dynamics 365 system integrators are even greater than for other ERP solutions. While SAP, Oracle, and other ERP vendors have tightly controlled their ecosystems, Microsoft Dynamics has traditionally taken a hands-off approach to their system integrators. This […]
How to Avoid Losing Control of Your SAP S/4HANA Transformation
Over the last 20 years, I have seen plenty of organizations lose control of their SAP implementations. These projects tend to be bigger and more complex than many organizations can handle, which is why there are so many SAP failures like those at Lidl, National Grid, Haribo, and other publicized challenges in recent years. Common […]
Determining Your ERP Total Cost of Ownership
One of the first questions we are asked when discussing an ERP initiative with a new client is “how much is this whole thing going to cost us.” The easy and accurate answer is: “we have no idea at this time.” Unfortunately, executive committees and board members generally won’t accept this answer and need to […]
Money Talks: How Economic Incentives Bias Digital Transformations
As AC/DC once said: “come on, come on, listen to the money talk.” Nowhere is this truer than in the digital transformation space. Money drives so much of what does or doesn’t happen in our industry. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always align with the long-term interests of those most impacted by technology: the companies using it. […]
Digital Transformation and Your Gym Membership
Managing a gym can be a profitable business. People sign up for memberships with the intention of “getting in shape.” However, once “in shape” they can’t simply call it a day and cancel their membership. Staying in shape takes continuous visits to the gym and can never really stop. The same could be said for […]
It’s the Final Countdown: Navigating the ERP Software Sales Process
By Sam Graham Here’s a hypothetical scenario. Your company has decided to implement a new ERP system, or perhaps even to target a digital transformation. You have formed a project team, which has clarified and documented requirements and has taken them to market via an ERP RFP (Request for Proposal). The ERP software short-list Having […]
My Name Is Eric, and I Am a Recovering Big 5 SAP Consultant
My first job when I graduated with my master’s degree was with one of the big system integrators. I was a Big 5 SAP consultant focused primarily on organizational change management at some very large, multi-national organizations. Though colleagues and I have written about being Accentured and the dark side of the digital transformation, I […]
The Unsung Heroes of Digital Transformation
When we think about SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, or digital transformation success, we often focus on the system integrator. But the potential unsung heroes of your successful digital transformation are sitting right within your four walls. Don’t get me wrong: choosing the right SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics system integrator is an important decision. But your […]
Selecting your SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Implementation Partner
There are plenty of articles and blogs circling the internet, providing tips and best practices for selecting the appropriate ERP software, and with good reason. Choosing the wrong system can be devastating for a business. What is not so highly covered, however, is the importance of selecting the right SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP, or […]
ERP Request for Proposal (RFP): What Do You Want Your New Software to Achieve?
By Sam Graham Perhaps more frequently known as a Request for Proposal (RFP), an Invitation to Tender (ITT) or a Statement of User Requirements (SOUR), a written statement of what a new system is required to deliver is essential to achievement of a successful project but is one of the hardest things to do. The […]
How to Negotiate an SAP S/4HANA Contract
It’s not every day that most of us negotiate multi-million-dollar contracts with significant cost implications for the future. When we do, it’s important to get it right. Before embarking on an SAP transformation or bringing SAP S/4HANA consultants on to your team, it is important to understand how to negotiate an SAP S/4HANA contract. We […]