Trusted Advisors

Over time, there has been a shift from customers consulting their accountants to relying on ERP partners for business advice. They have taken on the role as trusted advisor. While it's beneficial to consult with ERP partners, it's essential not to stray from the management or team's desired investment direction. Nobody understands the business better than those who work in it daily. The role of the ERP partner should be to support your decisions rather than influence them.

It's important to acknowledge potential conflicts of interest when considering ERP partners' recommendations for add-on software. They may prioritize sales targets or agendas to maintain certain statuses with recommended products.

Bias in recommendations and hidden costs are common concerns. Incentives may influence recommendations, and future costs might not be fully disclosed during initial discussions.

ERP partners might provide outdated advice as they may not stay updated on technology trends. Their expertise typically lies in ERP implementation rather than software development.  They employ ERP consultants rather than software architects.

Limited expertise is another issue, especially when it comes to predicting ROI for implementing various software solutions beyond ERP. ERP partners may not grasp the intricacies of different processes and their impact on the business as a lot of it can be outside the ERP.

Customers should have a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, recognizing that ERP is just one part of the process. Often, other solutions like Warehouse Management Systems deliver higher returns for businesses.
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Mitigating risks when selecting software and finding the right partner is crucial. Best-of-breed software partners focus solely on helping businesses achieve optimal outcomes. The responsibility is on the customer to ensure a successful implementation.

At the heart of any successful business operation lies robust support infrastructure. In our experience, relying solely on ERP partners for support can lead to delays, especially when they have to relay issues to ISVs located halfway across the globe. Picture this scenario: your freight truck is ready to be loaded, but your Warehouse Management System hits a snag. Can your business afford to wait 48 hours or longer for a resolution?

That's why we emphasize the importance of direct, responsive support. With our tailored solutions, you'll have immediate access to local support teams, ensuring rapid resolution to any critical issues. Don't let support bottlenecks derail your operations – choose a Best of Breed solution who prioritizes your business's uptime and success.

'Build a better bottom line with The RIC Group'
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