System Selection Support
The Client
The Problem
When successful electronic cigarette manufacturers CN Creative decided to investigate potential replacements for their outdated business systems they quickly realised what a minefield an ERP system selection process could be.
After 8 months of vendor demonstrations and being no nearer to identifying a system that would suit them they were recommended to contact Gradient for assistance.
The Solution
Gradient worked with CN Creative’s internal project team and introduced a structured process that led them through specification, demonstration, and selection of the system that was right for them.
The selection of a well -specified ERP system, that matches the way CN Creative works, will help the growing and innovative company continue to move forward.
What the Client Says
“Having carried out an initial search for an ERP system we were unable to distinguish between a long list of system vendors. Gradient Transforming enabled us to identify our detailed requirements, and how each system would cater for them. This resulted in an expedient process that allowed us to hit our incredibly tight deadlines”
Actions
- The ERP System Selection process for CN Creative involved a series of site visits and interviews with key users. Gradient worked to understand CN Creative’s business processes and translate them into a comprehensive system requirements document. The document was sent to a carefully researched list of vendors.
- The responses were analysed, and Gradient supported the internal project team by helping to shortlist three vendors who subsequently took part in detailed demonstrations. Microsoft Nav was selected as the preferred solution.
- Gradient aided CN Creative through the contract negotiation and helped them achieve not only the correct solution, but also a deal with which they were comfortable with.
Benefits
- CN Creative experienced a prolonged period of little or no progress. It was time to introduce a structured selection process. The process helped focus the project team and allowed them to identify key business benefits within the short listed solutions.
- There was a large amount of double keying into various databases. Reporting was particularly tricky as there were very few links between each application in use. The integrated ERP system will address these problems by having one point of entry. It will also have one source of data and subsequently, inherent traceability right throughout the supply chain.
- The consolidation of a number of disparate systems has allowed CN Creative to develop an IT strategy. Their strategy can accommodate their current activities whilst enabling future growth.