Finding an awesome Odoo implementer can be a tough task. Whether you are trying to implement ERP or any other software, a great software implementer makes sure that your project is a success.
Odoo ERP implementation requires a well thought out plan and it can easily take few months to years(depending on the complexity) for its successful implementation.
No business can risk the money and time. So, it is always better to handle the per-requisite before jumping into the ERP bandwagon.
To help you succeed in your endeavor, we provide you six tips that can help you find a great software implementation consultant and make your business a successful one.
1. Competent Selection Team
Competent selection team can help you elevate and remove most of the problems at the start. The team should be comprised of subject matters, business experts, and IT specialists. The required work can then be moved forward.
To make sure that the selection team works at their best, it is necessary to follow the below points.
There should be no bias or agenda in the team.
The team members should represent the stakeholders.
They should trust each other and should speak up for the problems of the stakeholders.
Decision making should be prompt and courteous.
Selection team should be small so that they can collaborate and communicate easily. The team size will also help them to reach a point where decision making can start.
2. Having a clear idea of what you need, an objective selection criterion
The focus of the team is to figure out the objective selection criteria for the software implementers. And the objective need not change over time during the selection procedure. This will help you to focus on the needs of your business and not the other way around.
3. Understand what your consultants has to offer
How many do businesses understand the pool of consultants they have networked with? It is tough for them to know what they have, but it always helps to know each consultant holds. It is also a good idea to know the firms with which the consultants are working with.
To make a successful interview or proposal, it is always a good idea to meet with the potential consultant several times before calling in the RFP(Request for proposal). This will help not only you but the consultant the needs of your ERP implementation.
For example, Odoo Consulting always provides a wide range of consultants and you should be wary of which one to pick and request a proposal. This will save your time as well. After all, Open source ERP implementing is now a hot topic and in demand.
4. Find out your needs -- Being Specific
Before sending out the RFP, it is a good idea to sit back and reflect on what you need. Sending a substandard RFP will attract both serious and habitual bidders and it will make your job tough in a long run.
To make sure that your proposal is a top one, make sure you think about the following and include in the proposal.
What your work is all about -- discuss the scope of work.
What expertise are you looking for? Also, mention the vertical expert you are looking for. Expertise is now a big thing in work.
What your firm can offer to the consultant? A team? a product to help? anything else?
Always mention the time-critical milestones in a summary. This will help the consultant to understand your requirement better
Experience required by the candidate.
Any additional information or expectation that you need or want.
5. Make use of Time
Use time as a valuable resource. If you see potential in a firm, pursue them and not fix appointments with other firms or consultant. The time saved can help you invest in the best possible match.
6. Research Before You Pull The Trigger
It is always a good idea to research on your own. This will help you to handle the inconsistencies in the promises of the consultant and tell him to change few things before the triggered is pulled.
To make sure that you make the right decision, do the following things.
Use the network to your advantage. Check what the past or current clients hold for you. Also, try to find out other references that can help you gain a possible advantage on the current working status of the consultant.
Check the firm's reputation in the market and quantify yourself.
SWOT analysis can further help you find if the consultant is a good fit for your job.
How strong is the consultant? How many projects are completed by him? and other questions need to be answered.
Implementing an ERP is a tough task and to make it successful, you need to find a Odoo implementer or a consultant that can lead the implementation to success.
We hope you found the above six steps useful and it will help you to find the right candidate.
