You should define goals, document requirements, and assign a project lead before starting ERP selection. Preparation typically includes: 

• Engaging stakeholders and confirming governance 

• Drafting a high-level project plan with budget and timeline 

• Documenting current and future-state processes 

• Preparing data models and process flows for vendor evaluation 

📌 Download Pemeco’s ERP Selection & Readiness Checklist. 

ERP vendors should be evaluated across eight key dimensions of fit: 

• Functional fit 

• Technical architecture 

• Industry alignment 

• Vendor viability and roadmap 

• Implementation methodology 

• Total cost of ownership 

• Support and services 

• Cultural alignment 

📌Download the full guide with 8 Dimensions of Vendor Fit. 

📌 See Pemeco’s Ultimate ERP Selection Guide for evaluation scorecards. 

ERP evaluation should be a structured process rooted in business requirements. Effective methods include: 

• Issuing structured RFPs 

• Running scripted demonstrations 

• Conducting reference checks 

• Applying weighted scoring models 

• Completing commercial due diligence 

📌 Explore Pemeco’s ERP Selection Methodology to see our proven approach. 

ERP selection usually takes 3–6 months. Smaller companies may finish faster, while global or complex organizations often take longer due to requirements gathering, vendor demos, and due diligence. 

📌 Watch this video to learn more: “Why does it take that long to implement an ERP?”

Upgrade paths may save 20–25% on time and cost, but they rarely close capability gaps or deliver modern functionality. 

In many cases, replacement offers greater long-term value, scalability, and lower lifetime cost than repeatedly patching an outdated system. 

Key factors to weigh include: 

• Vendor support lifecycle and product roadmap 

• Upgrade cost vs. replacement Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) 

• Scalability, integrations, and user experience 

• Risks of remaining locked into obsolete technology 

📌 Use Pemeco’s ERP Upgrade vs. Replace Checklist to compare project risk, cost, and business fit. 

Engage an independent ERP consultant when vendor agendas, complexity, or internal bias put ERP success at risk. The right partner should be: 

• Vendor-neutral and proven across many ERP platforms 

• Deeply experienced in your industry and processes 

• Referenceable and unbiased, without a pattern of recommending the same system 

Pemeco has led 800+ successful ERP projects across North America and globally, delivering frameworks anchored in client objectives, not vendor commissions.

📌 Read our guide on choosing an independent ERP consultant. 

Yes — because Pemeco’s clients typically realize financial benefits far exceeding our fees. The value drivers include: 

• Vendor negotiations that often secure savings greater than our advisory costs 

• Accelerated decision-making that avoids project delays 

• Selecting an ERP that delivers measurable ROI 

• Reducing risk of implementation failure — which can cost tens of millions 

📌 See case studies on how Pemeco delivers net financial benefits. 

ERP costs depend on deployment model, user count, complexity, and support needs. Key cost drivers include: 

• Cloud vs. on-premise deployment 

• Number of users, sites, and modules 

• Integration and customization requirements 

• Ongoing support, upgrades, and training 

• Incidental costs such as internal staffing, hardware, and third-party software 

📌 Watch our “Beyond ERP” webinar for full TCO insights. 

ERP ROI is calculated by comparing lifetime benefits to total costs. Benefits include: 

• Productivity gains from automation and streamlined workflows 

• Reduced operating costs (labor, inventory, compliance) 

• Faster decision-making with real-time analytics 

• Revenue growth through improved customer service and time-to-market 

Costs must account for: 

• Licensing and implementation services 

• Training and change management 

• Ongoing support, upgrades, and maintenance 

• Incidental costs such as internal staffing, data cleansing, and integration software 

Pemeco Consulting’s ROI modeling tools and TCO framework ensure executives present a defensible, board-ready business case. 

📌 Read our ERP ROI Analysis guide to strengthen your business case.