ERP SOLUTIONS

The “computer guy” or an IT professional cannot live without the other. Each group of experts has their specialty but when you are in the processing of choosing an enterprise wide solution that is responsible for critical systems that run your business… the computer guy may not be the “go-to” guy.

Generally speaking you would not want a person who specializes in network management, computer sales or computer installations (internally or contracted) to make the following decisions:

1) Which business processes should receive our IT dollars?

2) Which IT capabilities need to be companywide?

3) How good do our IT services really need to be?

4) What security and privacy risks will we accept?

5) How much should we spend on IT?

6) Whom do we blame if an IT initiative fails?

 

Why? This is YOUR business. You know it better than anyone. To leave it in the hands of a person or group that notoriously likes the latest greatest, gizmo may not prudent. Conversely, a high-paid consultant will not know your business either until they have done their homework on your business. So what are you supposed to do?

In the beginning you really need to take time to define what it is you do and develop a clear road map of your operations. Focus on (not necessarily in this order):

1) Complexity of Operation (most important

2) Importance of technology in your business

3) Marketing and Sales Strategy

4) Growth or Mature business model

5) Industry Focus

6) Competition

Once you have mentally or formally developed this road map, then you can decide who should be your advisors to select the appropriate balance of technology (software and hardware). It is our opinion that if you and your team of operational managers have done the work to define your business processes the network or computer “guy” is one of the last of the professionals needed to make an strategic bueinss decision. (sorry guys).

by Robert Eppele, CEO ERP Solutions, Inc. Copright ©02.10.2010

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