Choosing food industry software for ERP involves selecting the right software and supplier to work with long term. Finding the right food industry ERP vendor is a serious matter: ERP will touch every part of your business.

It’s important to bear in mind that ERP software was originally developed for very large companies. These massive ERP systems can’t be transplanted to small and medium sized operations. This why specialist know how is required.

You will find a better solution for your food ERP software needs if you specify your business processes before you start speaking to suppliers. You will also need to decide which aspects of your business will be included in ERP implementation. A good consultant, like Drive Computing, can help you weigh up the pros and cons.

An off-the-shelf or a bespoke software solution? What food and drink ERP software options are available? Detailing your processes will help you refine your options. You could save money by bringing your processes in line with an off the shelf solution. The easier alternative is to chose a flexible solution like BLISS. Having built in flexibility reduces the likelihood you’ll need expensive enhancements.

The key question is: will your investment in ERP food industry software be protected? High ROI can never be guaranteed but in capital intensive sectors such as food and drink, the best software will keep plant utilisation high, inventories and waste low.

Evaluate vendors on the basis of a few key parameters:

Food and beverage industry experience

Staff with industry experience

Focus on dealing with small and medium sized operations

Client list and length of relationships with clients

Financial stability

Guidance on changing business processes

Ability to meet your technical requirements

People you’ll work well with

Do they innovate?

What platform is involved?

Does the software meeting open standards? If not will it work with your current technical environment?

What license fees, if any, are involved?

Once you have short listed vendors, and asked them to respond to your requirements it’s essential to meet short listed firms. This allows you to probe any claims made in their documentation.

We are always happy to put prospective clients in touch with members of our Client User Group. You can hear first hand how our food and drink ERP solutions service real businesses.