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Essential Software Solutions

ERP Consulting & ERP Software Selection

Objective ERP Guidance

ERP is complex, but your evaluation approach does not need to be. It’s a natural tendency to evaluate something complex, with an equally complex evaluation process.


ESS ERP software selection consultants can help you quickly to evaluate different ERP systems.

Contact with Us - First Call is Free

See our ERP Selection Consulting process;

Side-by-Side Comparison

Our ERP comparison sheet lays it all out. See how Infor stacks up, and if it's the perfect fit, we'll provide a detailed review and connect you with satisfied customers.

No Strings Attached

Infor may not the sweet spot for your organization. It's completely understandable. We'll guide you to other systems that fit like a glove. 

Customized ERP Analysis

We'll dive deep into your ERP needs and budget, ensuring a perfect match for your business.

Objective ERP technology selection consulting is trusted by these professionals

Andy has a wealth of practical objective knowledge related to ERP selection and the pros/cons of most ERP’s on the market. He is a true expert in the field and offers candidly unbiased opinions and insights, delivered with a great sense of humor, to help companies peel back the layers of ERP systems and move beyond the marketing hype to truly find a good match for their business operations.


- Bryan Ursic, President at A.M. Gatti

I've had the pleasure of interfacing with Andy Pratico for many years during our search for a Manufacturing ERP to replace our internally developed system. We originally purchased another ERP, and I met Andy just after we had given up on it. He is knowledgeable and very helpful providing advice regarding many of the dangers in that journey. He is very familiar with almost any ERP out there. Our decision did not favor the system that Andy represented but he helped me investigate other ERPs as well. 


- Don Galbraith, Director at 

Nutana Machine

Thanks to Andy’s guidance, I’ve gained invaluable knowledge in effectively evaluating ERP systems. Thanks to his guidance, I’ve developed a much sharper ability to evaluate ERP solutions effectively. Andy has a unique talent for shedding light on aspects of ERP evaluation that often go unnoticed.
Before working with him, I was overwhelmed by the endless options, seeing only the appealing features but missing critical loopholes until much later in my research. 


- Pamith de Silva, LSS Green Belt Process Improvement Specialist

Andy and I had the chance to speak regarding our ERP project. He has a real knowledge of this industry. He guided me through our ERP selection and warned me of future roadblocks. You can tell he has experience in the industrial and manufacturing market.


- Simon Charbonneau-Campeau, Engineer - Project Manager - Consultant

Andy brings a fresh breath of transparency to the ERP evaluation process. I always enjoy working with him & the ESS team. His objective lead process provides clarity around often nuanced ERP processes. If you have the opportunity, attend one of his workshops, and you will know exactly what I mean!


- Aaron Hannan, 

Channel Sales Manager

Andy has provided some straightforward and objective advice on how to proceed with software selection. This has allowed our company to focus on what functionalities are truly important to us and has allowed us to broaden our search to more cost effective solutions.


- Tristan Hulscher

Andy is a great source for insight into the ERP options available for small to medium-sized enterprises. In a short period, Andy was able to provide me with an overview of options--from Infor to Netsuite to Sage to QAD to IFS to Dynamics and more. Based on the profile of a company, he can provide the pros and cons of the options and recommend the best fit to your needs. He asked penetrating questions to understand the company in question. I can recommend Andy to others for this kind of service. Thanks so much Andy!


- Tom Rodden, Board Advisor at Onymos Inc

I am pleased to recommend Andy as a great expert in ERP systems. Andy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, and has consistently provided valuable insights. I was lucky to attend one of Andy's webinars and have found it to be informative and engaging, showcasing his in-depth knowledge of the ERP evaluation process and best practices.
His guidance has helped our company avoid common pitfalls in the selection and implementation process. I am confident that Andy's expertise and professionalism would be a significant asset to any organization in need of ERP advice. 


-  Iana Ershova, 

Supply Chain Manager, Project Manager

I am pleased to recommend Andy as a great expert in ERP systems. Andy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, and has consistently provided valuable insights. I was lucky to attend one of Andy's webinars and have found it to be informative and engaging, showcasing his in-depth knowledge of the ERP evaluation process and best practices.
His guidance has helped our company avoid common pitfalls in the selection and implementation process. I am confident that Andy's expertise and professionalism would be a significant asset to any organization in need of ERP advice. 


-  Michelle Harvey, 

Independent ERP and IT Strategy Consultant

Why Objective ERP Guidance Matters?

Evaluating ERP through legacy methods is a complex, time-consuming undertaking. In fact, some claim this task is so daunting it is not even humanly possible. Attempting to reverse any mistake will be very expensive. And getting it right seems to be the exception. No wonder ERP customer dissatisfaction is so high.


Is there an Alternative Evaluation Approach that guarantees success? Yes and we accompany with you in this way. 

Assessment & Business Case

Organize a decision team of approximately 5 people which will include an Executive. Studies have proven this amount to be optimal in complex decision making. Studies have also shown a lack of Executive Sponsorship (which provides project vision and authority may be needed to meet this vision of change), is a leading cause of failed ERP implementations. 


Document "as is" workflows and processes of your business. Every company is unique regarding how much change you will need to manage. If change is determined to be too daunting and/or process reengineering with existing technology can achieve your critical criteria goals, a new ERP is not required. 

Unique and Critical Requirement Gathering

Document ERP critical criteria and success factor goals upfront, for guidance towards what is most important. Your critical criteria are the must haves to create or sustain competitive advantages, regardless of which ERP you purchase. Keep it concise. Keep it unique to your business. And keep it Objective. Resist adding things such as, “Ease-of-Use”, as a critical criterion due to it being a highly subjective measurement. Critical Criteria are measurable and should not take up more than a couple pages.

Visit Objective Vendor References

To temper bias and validate the Marketing Machine, interview similar companies that already use these systems you are investigating. Hopefully these similar companies you contact are local so you can visit them (always better than a phone call) and can also confirm the quality of local support.


Prepare to Learn – Asking the right questions to uncover the truth.

Evaluate ERP Vendor Reputation and Support

ERP evaluation is full of common misconceptions that can mislead buyers into poor decisions. Relying on name brands doesn’t guarantee quality, as some well-known vendors may lean on their reputation rather than the actual product. Low-cost options can be deceptive, especially when actual implementation costs exceed expectations. Promises of cheap, fast, and flawless implementations are unrealistic, as achieving all three is nearly impossible. A simple UI in a sales demo might suggest limited capability, and fixed-bid implementation offers often hide costly exclusions in the fine print. Lastly, ERPs marketed as industry-specific may lack the comprehensive features of broader systems, with shortcomings often only revealed after extended use.

Engaging Shortlisted Vendors - Trainer Led Demo

Before engaging with ERP vendors, it's crucial to visit reference sites with similar IT environments and needs, and to learn from those already using the systems. Sales demos are often polished but not always practical, so request trainer-led demos instead—these are more likely to reflect real implementation scenarios, as trainers are accountable for delivering results. Seek recommendations from experienced users who can share honest feedback beyond the sales pitch, including budget overruns, implementation challenges, and long-term pros and cons. Ask targeted questions that align with your critical requirements and ensure you're not just buying software, but also a partner in business process improvement.

Final Selection & Contract Guidance

Everyone wants a fair price, but not so low you jeopardize your implementation. Aim for a fair deal that is a Win/Win. Both parties are incented to complete the project efficiently and running effectively. Besides you need your ERP Partner to be successful and remain in business. 

Industries We Serve

ManufacturingERP
Industrial Manufacturing
Metal Fabrication ERP Software
Metal Fabrication
Aerospace Manufacturing ERP Software
Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Medical Device Manufacturing ERP Software
Medical Device Manufacturing
Window and Door Manufacturing
Windows & Doors Manufacturing
Equipment Manufacturing ERP
Equipment Manufacturing
Prefab Manufacturers
Prefab Manufacturers
Furniture Manufacturing ERP Software
Furniture Manufacturing
Plastic and Rubber Fabrication ERP Software
Plastic Fabrication
High Tech and Electronics Manufacturing ERP
High Tech & Electronics Manufacturing

Remember, if you do not like the ERP after you go live, why does it matter if you liked their sales demo?

If you are just getting started and would like to discuss how to select ERP with one of our ERP selection consultants, please click the link below.

  We will give you the tools to move forward with confidence.

Good to Knows While Evaluate ERP

erp selection - erp cost of ownership

The Total Cost of Ownership 

in any ERP Investment

Learn More
erp software - risk management and organizational challenges

Proactive Risk Management and

​Organizational Challenges
Learn More
erp vendor selection

Most Valuable Step During ERP Vendor Selection?

Learn More

Other Professional ERP Services

ERP Implementation

If Infor fits you, we will be glad to accompany your ERP implementation journey. 

Check ESS' ERP implementation methodology

Infor ERP Training

If you already use Infor but not able to maximize your performance due to several reasons like talent or technical gaps, you may want to check our Infor ERP trainings

Check Infor ERP trainings

10 Critical ERP Requirements for Every Type of Manufacturing

It's not about buying ERP software - it's about selecting the right ERP solution. Download our ERP selection guide for industrial manufacturers, we've listed 10 critical requirements for all kind of manufacturers.

Read our blog posts

The Dunning-Kruger Effect: An Emotional Journey in ERP Selection

7 Signs That It Maybe Time to Change Your ERP Software

Effective Change Management Will Ensure ERP Success

Overwhelmed by ERP Choices? – Navigating 2,000+ Options

Talk with an ERP advisor

Do you have questions about ERP selection, ERP implementation, ERP trainings or any other issues with digital transformation? Talk with one of our advisor, we'd be glad to help you.


Don't hesitate to contact. Our client policy is 'no string attached'.