How to Prepare for an ERP Discovery Call

If you're considering implementing an ERP system for your business, you may have been asked to participate in a discovery call with a potential ERP vendor.

But how do you prepare for an ERP discovery call? In this article, we'll discuss the steps you can take to ensure that you make the most out of your discovery call and gather all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

What is an ERP discovery call?

This call is an essential step in the ERP evaluation process, as it allows you to gather information about the vendor and their product, and determine if they are the right fit for your business.

Why is an ERP discovery call important?

Before we learn more about the preparation process, let's first understand why an ERP discovery call is a crucial step in the evaluation process.

> Gather Information About the Vendor

The discovery call is an opportunity for you to gather information about the vendor and their product. This includes their company history, their experience in your industry, and their approach to implementing ERP systems. This information will help you determine if the vendor is a reputable and reliable choice for your business.

> Understand the Product Features and Capabilities

During the discovery call, the vendor will also provide an overview of their ERP system's features and capabilities. This will give you a better understanding of what the system can do and how it can benefit your business. You can also ask specific questions about features that are important to your business to ensure that the system meets your needs.

> Determine if the Vendor is a Good Fit for Your Business

Not all ERP vendors are created equal, and it's essential to find one that is the right fit for your business. The discovery call allows you to get a sense of the vendor's culture, values, and approach to customer service. This will help you determine if they align with your business's values and if you can establish a good working relationship with them.

> How to Prepare for an ERP Discovery Call

Now that we understand the importance of an ERP discovery call let's discuss the steps you can take to prepare for it.

> Research the Vendor

Before the discovery call, it's essential to research the vendor and their product. This will give you a better understanding of their company, their product, and their reputation in the industry. You can visit their website, read customer reviews, and check their social media presence to gather information.

> Identify Your Business Needs

Having a clear understanding of your business needs before the discovery call is crucial. This will help you ask relevant questions and determine if the vendor's product can meet your requirements. Make a list of your business needs and prioritize them to ensure that you cover all the essential points during the call.

> Prepare a List of Questions for ERP discovery call

The discovery call is an opportunity for you to ask questions and gather information. Preparing a list of questions beforehand is essential to ensure that you cover all the necessary topics. Some questions you may want to ask include:

o  What is your company's experience in implementing ERP systems?

o  What is your industry experience?

o  Can you provide references or case studies from previous clients?

o  What is your approach to customer service and support?

o  Can you walk me through the implementation process?

o  What are the system's key features and capabilities?

o  How does your system handle data security?

o  What makes your system different to other ERP systems?

o  What benefits can your ERP bring me over others in the market?

o  What is the cost of your system, and are there any additional fees?

> Involve Key Stakeholders

It's crucial to involve key stakeholders in the discovery call, as they will have different perspectives and requirements for the ERP system. This can include department heads, IT personnel, and other decision-makers in your organisation. Having multiple perspectives can help you make a more informed decision and ensure that all your business needs are met.

> Set Clear Objectives

Before the discovery call, it's essential to set clear objectives for what you want to achieve. This can include gathering information about the vendor, understanding the product features, and determining if the vendor is a good fit for your business. Having clear objectives will help you stay focused during the call and ensure that you cover all the necessary points.

What to Expect During an ERP Discovery Call

During the discovery call, the vendor will typically provide an overview of their company, their product, and their approach to implementing ERP systems. They may also ask you questions about your business needs and requirements to determine if their system is a good fit for your organization.

The call may also include a demo of the system, where the vendor will showcase its key features and capabilities. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions and get a better understanding of how the system works.

Real-World Examples of ERP Discovery Calls

To give you a better idea of what to expect during an ERP discovery call, here are some real-world examples from businesses that have gone through the process.

> Company A - Tool Rental Company Seeking an ERP for Management, Tracking and Maintenance of Assets

Company A is a tool rental company that was looking to implement an ERP system to streamline their operations and reduce tool downtime. During the discovery call, they asked the vendor about their experience in the tool rental sector and if their system could handle a large variety of complex tool maintenance schedules. They also inquired about the system's data security measures and the cost of implementation.

> Company B - SME Oil and Gas Business Seeking an ERP for QHSE and HR

Company B is a small oil and gas business that wanted to implement an ERP system to manage their QHSE and HR processes. During the discovery call, they asked the vendor about their approach to customer service and support, as they wanted a reliable partner for their business. They also asked about the system's scalability and if it could handle their future growth.

Conclusion

An ERP discovery call is an essential step in the evaluation process, and it's crucial to prepare for it to make the most out of the call. By researching the vendor, identifying your business needs, and preparing a list of questions, you can ensure that you gather all the necessary information to make an informed decision. Involve key stakeholders and set clear objectives to make the most out of the call and find the right ERP system for your business.

Book your ERP discovery call today to see if Centerpoint is a good fit for your operational needs.