Case Study: Engineering and Construction Company Evaluates and Selects the Right ERP System for Their Business Needs and Processes
Challenge/Opportunity
The client used various disparate systems and spreadsheets to manage their projects, clients, invoicing and finance, and contractors involved in each project. Most data entries and aggregations were done manually or using Excel files and the integration and transition of data between different systems was not accurate and timely. Because of the decentralized data and many systems of record, the client was facing reduced efficiency and lack of timely and accurate project and financial reporting.
Optimum’s Involvement
Optimum assessed and documented the client’s current business processes, systems, and data for the implementation and rollout of a new, commercially available Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution. Optimum then conducted an evaluation and assessment phase to define the desired user and system requirements of the new ERP and performed analysis of the potential ERP solutions. Optimum also helped in the successful solicitation and selection of the new ERP solution and vendor.
Results
At the end of this assessment and vendor selection project, the client’s current and to-be business processes, systems, and data requirements were fully defined and documented, and the new ERP solution and the implementation vendor was successfully selected. This new ERP platform, Sage Intacct, will provide robust management, aggregation, and reporting of projects, assets, resources, contractors, and financials for the client.
The Client, an engineering and construction firm, engaged Optimum to conduct a current state analysis and assessment of their data, systems, and processes and develop the new business processes and user/system requirements for the selection and/or in-house implementation of a new ERP system.
Assessment and Current-State Analysis
Working with the client to understand the current and desired state, Optimum assembled a team of experts, including a process engineer, ERP solution architect, and business analyst to help assess the current state, develop the requirements and scope of the new ERP, and performed cost-benefit analysis for pursuing a commercially available ERP system vs. building a custom solution in house.
ERP Solution and Vendor Evaluation
After defining the requirements and scope of the new ERP solution and considering the integrations required with other business systems, it was determined that a commercially available ERP solution is the best fit for client’s business and user needs as well and budget and timeline requirements of this project. Given this business decision, Optimum then conducted market research and developed a solicitation/RFP package (including scope, requirements matrix, evaluation criteria, pricing proposal sheet, etc.) to be provided to ERP vendors for competitive bidding on this project. Optimum’s team also stayed engaged in the evaluation process and helped to conduct vendor demos, evaluate vendor responses, and select the final EPR solution and vendor for this project.
About Optimum
Optimum offers a full suite of software services and solutions, including Software Development and System Integration, Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM Implementation, Office 365 and SharePoint Development and Consulting, Business Process Automation and Optimization, Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Warehousing, Work Automation and Project Management Software Solutions, Blockchain and IoT Solutions, and IT Staff Augmentation.
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