Kenyan companies engage strategically in ERP implementation. The ERP vendor must support enterprise-wide processes. A service that extends beyond software installation suits your needs. Kenyan enterprises should carefully examine these ERP vendor selection aspects.

ERP in Kenya actively integrates your core business processes like accounting, HR, production, inventory, and procurement on one enterprise-wide platform. ERP in Kenya streamlines processes, improving productivity, data quality, and decision-making.

However, ERP projects face high failure risks if you choose the wrong provider. An ill-fitting system that fails to support your requirements can result from a provider mismatch. Evaluating vendors on multiple criteria minimizes the risk of a bad match. Consider both their solution capabilities and implementation support.

Factors to Consider When Selecting an ERP Vendor

Actively assess ERP vendors based on:

Industry Experience – Seek providers with extensive experience in your specific manufacturing, distribution, or services industry. The software will incorporate industry standards.

Local Experience – Vendors should have an established Kenyan presence and reference customers locally. This provides valuable knowledge and resources.

Technology Fit – Proactively assess how well the solution aligns with your current IT infrastructure, applications, and integration needs.

Functional Scope – The ERP must actively support your finance, HR, inventory, procurement and other process requirements.

Customization Options – Evaluate configuration/customization tools to tailor the software to your workflows.

Implementation Approach – Vendors should use structured methodologies focused on clear milestones and knowledge transfer.

Training Capabilities – Look for vendors providing end user training, train-the-trainer programs, and e-learning modules.

Post-implementation Support – Ongoing maintenance, bespoke enhancements, self-service support, and regular upgrades should be offered.

Vendor Screening Criteria

Actively screen potential ERP vendors based on:

Company Stability – Assess the provider’s financial strength and company history to determine stability.

Solution Roadmap – Review the vendor’s strategy for growing and enhancing the ERP to meet emerging needs.

Partnership Approach – Vendors must position themselves as long-term trusted advisors versus mere suppliers.

Reference Customers – Ask for local references to speak to current customers using the ERP solution.

Implementation Team Skills – Require vendors provide skilled technical resources with change management abilities.

Support Capabilities – Assess technical support responsiveness, channels offered, availability, and satisfaction ratings.

Pricing Approach – Vendors should provide transparent pricing including implementation costs and ongoing TCO.

5 Steps to Select the Right Vendor of ERP in Kenya

Actively follow these steps when evaluating potential ERP vendors as a Kenyan company:

• Define Needs – Detail your strategic priorities, business requirements, and pain points.
• Develop Selection Criteria – Create a checklist of important technical, functional and service criteria.
• Request Proposals – Ask shortlisted vendors to respond with ERP solutions fitting your criteria.
• Evaluate Options – Score proposals based on how they meet defined criteria. Develop demos or POCs.
• Select Aligned Vendor – Choose the vendor providing the best fit solution, shared vision, and implementation support.

Takeaway

Kenyan companies must choose the best ERP vendor. Finding the best fit solution and implementation partner improves project success significantly. Firms must proactively evaluate potential ERP providers based on both software capabilities and ongoing vendor relationship factors. Considering the key selection criteria in this article will help Kenyan businesses identify the ideal strategic ERP vendor to meet their objectives.

As a Kenyan ERP specialist, Michigua Systems offers tailored ERP solutions for Kenyan businesses. Contact us to find the best one for your business.