First, I would recommend documenting (even if just written on a piece of paper) what exactly you expect to get out of your ERP system purchase. Depending on how small your business is, you may not need an ERP system to get what you need.

That said, I need more information to answer your other questions. What type of business are you running? How many system users do you expect to have (this has a big effect on the price of the system)?

An ERP purchase is expensive and the implementation is extremely time-consuming. I can't stresss enough how important it is to have clear goals in mind (increased efficiency in the Accounts Receivale function, for example) about what you want to accomplish with this project before starting down this path.

For a more direct answer, or if you want to answer my questions above privately, you can reach me at Jeff@BrentwoodConsulting.net - I am an independent ERP consultant who helps clients find the software package that fits their business best. I do not sell any software or hardware.

Rick Kadet

Vice President, Senior CFO Consultant, The Brenner Group, Inc.

Posted on Oct. 16, 2010

You describe your business as a small business, but the absence of other details makes it difficult to provide much guidance. Most small business that I work with in my consulting practice in Silicon Valley start with QuickBooks for accounting, inventory control and the like. This works pretty well unless you are a manufacturer or need extensive information not provided by standard reports. Another reason for an enterprise system might be the need to integrate with other products or draw information from your database.

As your requirements increase, you should plan on obtaining help from experienced systems analysts before settling on an expensive system that may or may not be flexible and complete enough for your needs.

Should you wish to provide more details of your requirements, I certainly could say more about this topic.