The Polish market abounds in business software providers who offer cutting-edge and technologically advanced ERP systems, so there is much to choose from. On the other hand, it becomes difficult to evaluate particular ERP systems as far as their efficiency is concerned. However, those aspects of ERP systems which have to be considered prior to implementation can be easily pointed out. One of them is the duration of ERP implementation. It depends on the complexity of the system and the size of the company. On average, the process of implementation takes a few months and should not last longer than a year. Large enterprises, though, may be an exception to this rule. Extended implementation time entails higher costs since each working hour of the implementation team is precious and costly at the same time. Another important aspect is technology upon which the particular ERP system is based. One should take into account the possibilities of system development, extension and availability to the personnel who could adapt and develop the system within the company without resorting to the assistance of an external company. It may lead to a considerable reduction in system maintenance and development costs. Furthermore, the market position and experience of the provider is another significant criterion. Is the provider well-known? How many companies have already used its solutions? Does it boast an established reputation on the IT market? Of course, one must remember that a young company without experience in ERP system sale and implementation should not be disregarded straight away: it may well be that it has enormous potential and is founded on professionalism and extensive knowledge of its employees. Each business software provider was a beginner at some point. However, if one can choose cooperation with an experienced provider, who can be relied upon with regard to system operation support and repairing services, it is highly recommended.
To return to one of the aspects mentioned above, namely choosing the ERP system with a view to the company’s future development, a fully justified question comes to mind: how can one predict the future of the company, say, three years in advance? Although it is relatively easy to foresee how the company will do throughout the next year, a three year forecast may be doubtful, especially due to the economic crisis. Numerous companies have experienced such a dynamic development within only a few years that very soon their ERP systems have become incapable of handling the processes within the company. The best, and least costly, way out of this predicament is to modify and extend the existing ERP system so as to make it work with higher speed and efficiency. The point is to avoid replacing the system with a newer version due to the enormous costs this would involve. Such a solution leaves a lot to be desired, though. First of all, these rough-and-ready solutions cope only with current problems which are bound to be followed by new ones. If one continues making the system a patchwork, users themselves become totally lost in the labyrinth of additional functions and modules improvised to make the system more effective, whereas in fact the efficiency falls rapidly. Secondly, the ERP user cannot draw on the most recent technologies and IT solutions offered, for instance, by the provider from whom the ERP system was purchased. Thirdly, the maintenance costs rise and the company may be forced to rely heavily on the programmers who have been adapting the system to the ever-changing current needs. These are blind alleys which can be avoided if one applies appropriate criteria when choosing the ERP system.