This post is for Business Analyst, Jack-Of-All-Trades, or IT pros working at SMB/SME companies preparing to buy an ERP solution.

Before you fill out an online survey or type in ERP in your favorite search engine, please do the following first.

1. Know yourself
2. Know your company
3. Know your industry
4. Know your GEMBA [Process’s]
5. Gauge the water cooler

The upcoming parts will deal exclusively with each of the following…

1. KNOW YOURSELF – What are you getting yourself into? Implementing a new business software solution [ERP] from scratch or out of the box is like getting a root canal while managing the construction of your dream home.

2. KNOW YOUR COMPANY – Is your company REALLY ready? Where are all the “rice bowls” located at; can you kick them over or carefully pour them into a bigger bowl if needed?

Read this post:

The Quest: Mapping the corporate DNA

3. KNOW YOUR INDUSTRY – What you’re competition, vendors, and customers using or planning to implement?

4. KNOW YOUR GEMBA [PROCESS’S] – When is the last time you asked, “Why do we do this that way?” Have you mapped out your current business processes? Is there room for improvement?

5. GAUGE THE WATER COOLER – Be nosy what gets everyone in a fuzz?