A guide to making the most of an ERP showcase

Datel Marketing Director Emma Pownall offers hints and tips on getting the most out of ERP HEADtoHEAD, a two-day ERP showcase in Milton Keynes on March 6th.

With 12 solutions on show - each represented by a single reseller - ERP HEADtoHEAD provides a unique opportunity for businesses to directly compare ERP systems and meet with resellers face-to-face - but how can you ensure you get the most from the event?

Things to do before the event

Create an ERP system shortlist. Identifying your core requirements should eliminate a number of solutions that can’t fulfil those requirements. Investigating systems able to fulfil those requirements gives you the information to make a more informed decision. Without this shortlist, you may end up researching solutions that aren’t suited to your business - it’s better to know a lot about a little, than a little about a lot.

Talk to your team about their concerns. In respect to solutions on your shortlist, ask about particular problem points or discuss key functionality with your team. Consult with each department in your business to understand what they want now and what they might need in the future - even if your initial implementation may not cover every part of your business, it may do in the future.

Pre-book meetings with resellers. Specifically, pre-book time to investigate your system shortlist. Alongside securing a slot with the exhibitors you want, it offers the freedom to explore options you hadn't previously considered when aren't in meetings with resellers on your shortlist. Study the agenda to identify the sessions and meetings that matter to you.

Things to do at the event

Talk to other attendees. Events like ERP HEADtoHEAD are a rare chance to network with businesses on a similar ERP selection journey. They’re a chance to see how businesses within your industry plan to utilise their system and can provide a wealth of ideas to consider during your selection process.

Take advantage of expertise on the show floor. Business software showcases bring together decades-upon-decades of industry experience from vendors and resellers. Thorough preparation will position you to take advantage of this expertise, as you'll know what questions you need to ask and, more importantly, have a clear understanding of your knowledge blind spots.

Things to do after the event

Follow up with solutions and resellers that piqued your interest. You’re not solely limited to your time at the event, so you might want to use that face-to-face time to select and eliminate potential follow-ups. You might only reduce five potential vendors down to three based on these meetings - so make sure to follow up with those vendors afterwards.

Keep an open mind. While focusing on the solutions suggested by your preliminary research, it’s worth keeping an open mind about other solutions on the show floor. Use events like ERP HEADtoHEAD to discover more about what you already know - but also to discover new systems and resellers entirely.

Things to do now

Datel will be at ERP HEADtoHEAD - but that doesn't mean you have to wait. Get in touch or book time with us at the event to make the most of ERP HEADtoHEAD for a successful system selection process.

And if you're interested in attending ERP HEADtoHEAD, you can register for the event on the official website.