Criteria
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Explanation
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Free or paid ERP and open source ERP
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- An ERP that is open source allows individuals with a basic understanding of IT development to modify the code.
- Free does not equate to open source. Both the proprietary ERP and its opposite, the open source, can be obtained for free or at a cost. Frequently, a free version is available, but it has a set amount of users or features.
- Additionally, you must pay to host free on-premise open source software (installed locally) on your servers. So, beware of the alluring but frequently fruitless pursuit of free things.
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Functional coverage
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- Carefully, examine the softwareβs features if you want the most features possible or just a few more sophisticated ones.
- Moreover, if you are deployed abroad, you will require a tool that has been multilingually translated and market-adapted (currency management, etc.).
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Interoperability with other software
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- You already use CRM, accounting software, HR management β¦ and you would like to be able to connect it to your ERP?
- Youβll have to check the latterβs availability of the APIs (application programming interface) required for this connection.
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Modularity
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Your company is distinctive; unique. Setting requirements is helpful for outlining the requirements that you ERP solution must satisfy in accordance with:
- Your sector of activity: Is a generalist ERP sufficient, or do your need a specialized ERP, adapted to your activity?
- The size of your structure: How many simultaneous users will there be at most?
- Your financial situation and other limitations: For a SME, and even more so for a VSE, an ERP software that promises savings in the medium term may require a sizable investment. What specialized features or modules do you require now and in the near future ?
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Mobility
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A mobile app that is integrated with your tool might be a crucial factor for information exchange and real-time data processing if you have teams working in the field.
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Data reliability and protection
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- The management data for your business is priceless. You must confirm the dependability of the software before leaving them to it.
- Data security is another concern: Is access to the back office restricted? What servers do you use to store your data? What promises are made?
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Ease of handling
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- Software that is not at least user-friendly and ergonomic is swiftly abandoned. You must be able to simply navigate the interface, identify the features youβre interested in using, and do so without difficulty.
- The ERP must also have an easy setting process. To make it simpler to get started, several publishers provide training and tutorials.
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Customer support
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The service of a support team, preferably free of charge, is very valuable to ensure you have the answers to all your queries in the event of a problem (bug, loss of data β¦), or confusion about the use itself.
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