The First Mistake in ERP Software Selection: Contacting Vendors Too Soon
- Roger Pujol, CPIM, CSCP
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 1
Choosing an ERP system is one of the most strategic decisions a manufacturer or distributor can make. Yet many companies unknowingly sabotage the process from the start by reaching out to software vendors before fully understanding their own needs.
At Champion Business Solutions, we frequently encounter this. It’s the ERP equivalent of asking a car dealer to “show you what they’ve got” before deciding if you need a pickup, van, or motorcycle.
Why Premature Vendor Contact Hurts You
Demos drive decisions before strategy exists
Vendors tailor their demos to impress—not to solve your actual pain points.
You start chasing features, not outcomes
Instead of streamlining inventory or tightening lead times, you end up comparing dashboards and CRM add-ons.
Sales pressure replaces internal clarity
Your team becomes reactive, pressured to “pick something” instead of developing a clear roadmap.
What You Should Do First
Assess your business workflows
Identify what's working, what’s broken, and where inefficiencies cost you most.
Define clear objectives
Are you focused on real-time inventory accuracy? Multi-entity consolidation? Tariff compliance? Name it.
Gather input from all departments
ERP systems touch finance, ops, compliance, and IT—bring those voices into the selection process.
Create a vendor-neutral requirements list
Document what you need, not what software says you should want.
Why Champion Takes a Different Approach to ERP Software Selection
We’re not a software reseller—we’re your strategic ERP advisor. Our ERP Business Process Assessments (BPA's) helps you uncover gaps, align goals, and map out a selection path before vendors muddy the waters. We help you evaluate platforms objectively, based on your priorities, not someone else’s pitch.
Get Help Before You Get Sold
If you’re planning an ERP software selection or upgrade, let’s talk. Whether you need selection guidance, process mapping, or just a sanity checks before diving in—we’re here to help.
Champion Business Solutions. Vendor-neutral advice. Operational clarity. Real ROI.
If you would like to discuss your situation, please schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with us by using the link below.
Roger Pujol, CPIM, CSCP, the founder of Champion Business Solutions, LLC, is an ERP consultant & advisor specializing in ERP Business software for the manufacturing and distribution industries. He shares insights and experiences on assisting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to enhance their operations.
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