Expertly-handled enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation benefits almost every aspect of a business. On the other hand, failed or extended implementation can impede positive results and become costly. ERP deployment teams are crucial to the success of a new system. Without them you cannot hope to plan, configure and install the software you've purchased. The best consultants will help you get up and running quickly, explain the benefits of your specific system, provide training and will undoubtedly save time and money.

If you are planning on employing ERP in 2015 read on to understand how to choose the top implementation partners in the business:

Partners are as important as software: If you thought deciding on software was difficult you will be in for a surprise come implementation time. Picking a partner is about finding a company that is competent, reliable, a good fit for your business expectations and an expert in Change Management. When searching for consultants, request reference customers and speak to businesses that implemented similar-sized systems. Try to meet teams before they begin work, and ask them how they plan on helping you. Look for responses that are tailored to your situation. Generic answers tend to mean that a team hasn't taken the time to think the project through. Occasionally software managers will choose to keep all of their process in-house and offer a corporate team to manage client implementations. While this can be an advantage, particularly when implementations are exceptionally large, it also means that you may not have a choice about who shows up to help. Keep these factors in mind as you choose your software.

Expertise: ERP application is not only about technology expertise or business management knowledge. Professional and capable ERP consultants will specialize in and understand ERP itself. The organization you choose should understand the product, how it can help your business and how to customize implementation strategies to fit your company's needs. ERP solution experts will combine their knowledge of tech and business management to bring you the best of both worlds. They will understand how to maximize the benefits of the software to improve your organization's operations.

Long-term partnerships: ERP implementation is an immersive process which, upon successful completion, will affect most aspects of your business, from warehouse management and product tracking, to budgeting and forecasting. ERP partners should be dedicated to delivering ongoing training and support resources, and frequently check in to ensure that the software is bringing in a positive return. This means that ERP consultants should embrace a long-term partnership and be prepared to offer 24/7 assistance. The best partners want to make sure that ERP is promoting business success over a number of years, not only on the days of installation. Select implementation partners who are informative, cooperative and driven. They should care about your company and the challenges you are facing and should be devoted to forming an alliance. Remember that successful launches don't close the book on the project.

At Accent Software we have decades of experience to back our business and technological expertise. If you are in the market for business management software, such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV, or are looking to begin the implementation process, do not hesitate to reach out. We would be happy to help.