Selecting the right ERP integration software partner can save you lots of time, money and unnecessary stress in the long run. But how can you tell which software provider will be able to deliver what you need? It’s hard to know before you begin working with the actual product. Luckily, by asking a few questions before you commit, you’ll be able to learn a lot.
Question 1: What happens when I need to implement a new connection?
Ask your software partner to articulate the exact steps and timeline required to get up and running with a new connection. How long does their development process take? Do they build a custom solution from the ground up (which eats up lots of time for development and testing)? Or do they already have that connection pre-configured and waiting for you to begin using right away? The faster you can implement a new connection, the sooner you can begin generating revenue from that channel.
Question 2: Are there any additional costs?
ERP solution partners generate revenue by charging their customers additional fees to develop more than the initial round of integrations. It makes sense. These companies need to stay in business and ongoing development fees are a way to make money. On the other hand, automated ERP integration software is generally more self-contained when it comes to pricing. Since the software has already been developed, you usually only pay a flat monthly rate for only the documents you use. You know what you’re paying up front.
Question 3: Will this software be able to match my company’s workflow?
Look for a software provider whose products can adapt to your operations. Yes, custom integration solutions are developed to integrate specifically with your unique workflow and validation processes. However, today’s cloud-based, plug-and-play ERP integration software solutions are also flexible enough to be configured to match your workflow. It’s usually not necessary to invest in an expensive custom solution.
Question 4: How long will set-up take?
Custom-coded solutions usually take months to configure and deploy. Additional connections require even more time. Automated ERP integration software systems can get you up and running in days. If the integrations you need are already part of the system, time until deployment can shrink to one day.
Question 5: Is the provider a dedicated ERP integration software developer?
Look for companies who are dedicated software developers with marketplace and ecommerce expertise. Some companies are just ERP solution providers who developed a one-off solution for a particular customer and are now trying to re-sell it to others. Dedicated ERP integration software companies specialize only in the ongoing development and release of automated ERP integration solutions that keep pace with the marketplace.
Question 6: What kind of support will I receive?
This question has two answers. If you’re developing a custom software solution from the ground up, you’ll likely need lots of support from your ERP consultant. A support team should be standing by to help you with the inevitable hiccups that will arise during deployment. In that case, make sure that your provider offers a fixed period of unlimited support to help your team get up and running.
If you’re using an automated system, support should be available–but you likely won’t need it. These systems are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, so the software itself is intrinsically more manageable. These providers should also offer support, but it’s much more likely that you’ll have a question or two, rather than require a lengthy training process.
Take your time when selecting the best ERP integration software for your business. Don’t simply stick with the software you have been using because you think it will be difficult to make a change. Remember, the best solution for your business might not be the most expensive. As ERP systems and integration software continue their rapid evolution, more streamlined, flexible solutions are emerging at more reasonable prices.
To learn more about how Alluvia’s ERP integration platform can help your business, contact us today.