Is the ERP system priced by concurrent users or named users?

In our opinion, concurrent user pricing is usually the most cost effective option.
This means, if you have 10 people who use the system, but only 5 of them need access at the same time, you only need to pay for 5 licenses.

To Save: If some people only need access to reports, consider publishing these on a web portal with limited access instead of buying an extra user license.

ERP User Count: Choose wisely to save a ton of money

The first step to determine software cost is to decide the num-ber of people (or users) that will need access to the system.

Remember, this can include people who may be outside the accounting department. For example, salespeople who man-age orders may need access to look at invoices or purchasing history.

People in the shipping area may need to see whether a particular order is paid and ready to be shipped.

A good software partner will guide you through this process and help you determine what type of access is needed by different users.Of course, the fewer users you purchase access for, the lower the price.

Is the ERP software sold by user-based pricing or module-based pricing?

User-based pricing means you will pay one license fee per user, which includes access to all modules in the system.

Module-based pricing means you buy the functionality you need (general ledger module, accounts payable module) on an a la carte basis, plus a small per user fee.

If you only need very limited functionality, both now and in the future, buying a module based system can sometimes save you money.

For most companies though, user-based pricing is often a better value and a better investment because you get more for your money.

How to determine Total ERP Software Costs.

10 Questions to Ask Any ERP Vendor.

Besides the license fees, there are many other factors you need to consider when evaluating the total cost of owning an ERP system. Here are the key questions to ask:

1. How much is the license fee?
2. Does the licensee fee include all modules or will I have to pay for add-on modules?
3. Does the ERP system require expensive database licenses (Oracle, SQL, etc)?
4. Will we need expensive servers and server maintenance contracts?
5. Will we need to hire/contract a database administrator?
6. How is the maintenance contract calculated? As a percentage of the software license and the implementation fees, or JUST the license?
7. Is support included in the maintenance contract?
8. How much of my time will it take to install, setup and customize the system?
9. Is setup and implementation included in the price or will I have to pay extra for that?
10. Will we need to hire/contract an IT resource to update/maintain the system?

Benefits of a Good ERP Software Partner

A good partnership will mean a smooth implementation, comprehensive training and ongoing support by a profes-sional team you enjoy working with.

Some ERP Partners do a good job of selling, but fall asleep at the wheel when it comes to installation.

So, how can you be sure you are choosing the right company for your business?
You need to do your homework to find the best Partner for a solid, long-term relationship in all areas.

Choosing the right company to install, implement, support and train you can make the difference between the success or failure of your project.

SQL Server Operating System: Pros and cons of FREE

In most cases, you need a SQL server operating system on your server. This might be included with your new server purchase, or you may need to purchase it separately.
Keep in mind that you need the same number of SQL licenses as you have accounting software user licenses.

We recommend that you budget to buy a few additional SQL licenses because some reporting tools in your accounting sys-tem will require a SQL license too.

Many people ask about the free version of SQL called MSDE. This may be an option, but you should know that MSDE has two limitations.

1. First, there is a data size limitation based on your transaction volume in the accounting system. There is no magic formula to determine how much space you will need for your system.

An experienced Partner should help you deter-mine what database size will work for your unique situation.

2. Second, there is a lack of administrative mainte-nance tools for MSDE. If you have a problem with the MSDE database, it can be harder to fix, and you know what that means – more support costs.

TO SAVE :
You can always start with the free MSDE version of SQL to minimize upfront costs, and upgrade to the full version of SQL later.

ERP Project Quote Worksheet

Take the figures highlighted throughout this guide and enter them in to the boxes below to give an estimated cost for your ERP project.

ADD: The number of software users:
Multiply by: Price of software per user:
ADD: Maintenance fees:
ADD: Cost of add-on products:
DEDUCT: Discounts or promotions:
ADD: Service implementation costs:
ADD: Data conversion costs:
ADD: Integration costs:
ADD: Customization costs:
ADD: Project management costs:
ADD: Training costs:
Note: Ongoing support fee/Hourly rates:
ADD: Hardware costs:
TOTAL ESTIMATED ERP PROJECT COST: $xxx.xxx.xx

Tips to Choosing the Right ERP Partner

When considering a ERP partner to your ERP implementation, there are some key elements that you should be aware of. The key is to choose an ERP provider with strong core values such as experience, integrity, honesty, efficiency, and most importantly communication skills ! talk the same channel
Much like hiring a contractor for your home, asking the right questions and being ....

Now Is A Great Time To Invest In A New ERP System

You may be asking yourself how can I think about spending money on a new ERP system in this economy?

The truth is, it‘s the perfect time to replace your inefficient, out-dated legacy system with a new one that provides easier and better access to the critical information that will help your business jump ahead

Top Ten Criteria for Selecting ERP Software

Top Ten Criteria for Selecting ERP Software

1.Level of support from the solution provider
2.Vendor’s track record of performance
3.Software’s ability to fit the business
4.Growth potential of software
5.Price of the software
6.Quality of documentation
7.Functionality of the software
8.Ease of use
9.Ease of implementation of the new system
10 .Software works with existing hardware

Take Baby Steps During ERP Implementation

Take Baby Steps During ERP Implementation ~ Don’t Overwork or Work Over your Employees

Obviously it is important to have ‘buy in’ from your employees when implementing a new ERP system. Change is rough for many folks, but if there are clear, exciting, simple goals set at the beginning of the implementation project, your success will be within reach!

Why Do So Many ERP Projects Go Over Budget?

Why Do So Many ERP Projects Go Over Budget?
The most common reason accounting software implementation projects go over budget is because the Partner is spending time working on things not included in the original quote.This work is called out of scope.

Here are a few examples of how this can happen:
You see all the cool things the new system can do and find yourself a kid in a candy store saying, "wow , can we get it to do this too ? The answer is yes, but this request is beyond the scope of the original proposal

You were quoted 8 hours of training for the AP clerk. This AP clerk is slow to learn, or is replaced by a new person halfway thru the project. The Partner must spend additional training time that was not included in the original quote.

You have a report you require from the new system, but you didnt show it to the Partner in advance because you just assumed it would be included. It needs to be designed from scratch and this time wasnt included in the original quote.

A good ERP Partner will tell you in advance if work needs to be done that was not included in the original quote, and get your approval before moving forward.