Because ERP software packages are so large and complex, one person cannot fully
understand a single ERP system; it is also impossible for an individual to adequately
compare various systems. So, before choosing a software vendor, most companies study
their needs and then hire an external team of software consultants to help choose the
right software vendor(s) and the best approach to implementing ERP. Working as a team
with the customer, the consultants apply their expertise to selecting an ERP vendor
(or vendors) that will best meet their customer’s needs.
After recommending a vendor, the consultants will typically recommend the software
modules best suited to the company’s operations, along with the configurations within
those modules that are most appropriate. This preplanning should involve not only the
consultants and a company’s IT department, but the management of all functional
business areas as well.