9 Important considerations during the journey of choosing the right partner for implement ERPNext

Working with ERPNext Partners ensures that your ERP platform is supported by the most efficient and experienced team!

 · 5 min read

Deploying an ERP solution is a complex undertaking. Selecting the right software is only half of the challenge. For the project to succeed, you also need to appoint a trusted implementation partner who can deliver on your specific requirements and provide valuable guidance and leadership throughout the entire project. The ideal ERP implementation partner will have the relevant skills and experience to work with you to develop a robust deployment plan, manage the project and provide long-term support post ‘Go-Live’.

But how do you choose between implementation partners, particularly when your chosen software vendor’s deployment model relies upon channel partners who on the face of it, all appear to offer the same thing? To help, we have created the following guide which covers the key high-level criteria that will assist when evaluating implementation partners to ensure the success of your deployment.


1- Work with an Official Partner

  1. ERPNext implementations are complex. So, the official Partner has enough training and knowledge to handle all implementations efficiently.
  2. In addition, ERPNext Partners act as a bridge ensuring that your concerns reach us. So, partners work with Frappe to provide you with dedicated support service, which ensures your ERPNext account is maintained by Frappe at the core.


2- Experience

  1. It is vital that when you approach an implementation partner that they understand exactly what it is that you need from an ERP solution. The partner should have a wealth of experience implementing your chosen solution; however, you must also look for a partner that has proven experience with successful ERP implementations within your industry. Seek at least 2-3 project references to validate the claims of the prospective partner.
  2. Your implementation partner should also understand the key trends facing your industry and follow best practice rules. A partner that has a deep understanding and knowledge of both your industry and the ERP solution you have selected, will be able to make informed recommendations as to the features of the software that can help you achieve your business objectives and most importantly, improve your bottom line. What’s more, as they will already be aware of the processes, challenges, and regulations involved in your industry, they can quickly get on with getting to know your business and develop a solution that is the right fit for you.


3- Methodology

  1. When it comes to an ERP implementation it is critical to understand the partner’s methodology. That is, the framework they will follow to deliver your project – essentially the blueprint for success. It is vital to get sight of this and understand what has influenced their approach. An implementation methodology should demonstrate how the solution partner has used their learning and understanding to inform their methodology. It shouldn’t just be a copy of the ERP vendor’s methodology or a generic one that could be applied to any partner implementing any ERP solution.


4- Trust and Understanding

  1. The most important element to consider when selecting the right partner is trust. There must be a good fit between your internal team and the partner you select to deploy your new solution. ERP implementations are a long process and the last thing you need is to realize halfway through that the relationship with your implementation partner isn’t working. This wastes time and money and causes an incredible amount of bad feelings.
  2. Building trust takes time, however, at the outset, you should make sure that the values of your organization and those of your ERP implementation partner are compatible. After all, their consultants will essentially become part of your team, working closely with your business, so it’s important to make sure they are a great fit. Do they understand your business and objectives? Do you both have similar expectations for the project? Do you have direct access to the key people with the partner’s business? Do you believe that the partner is committed to making your organization successful? Can you be sure they aren’t selling you something you don’t need? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, you're probably not found the perfect partner just yet.


5- Technical Development

  1. In most cases, you usually need some form of customization to make your ERP solution fit your business requirements. An out-of-the-box solution will rarely meet your exact needs. Therefore, you should always choose an implementation partner who has the technical knowledge and ability to support other key systems, either your own or those of your suppliers, by developing solid data integration solutions with other 3rd party service providers.


6- Project Management Approach

  1. How the implementation will be managed is critical. Find out how well the partner structure the project team. How will they communicate with you throughout the project? Linked to this is the methodology – project management should integrate with the methodology approach, so you know what to expect and when. Who will you contact should issues arise? Do you have a way to speak to someone qualified to quickly deal with your issues as they come up? It’s essential to the success of the project that you can rely on your partner to respond promptly and resolve problems in a way that satisfies all parties. A great project management approach with excellent communication will allow for all of this.


7- Consultant Skills and Experience

  1. Get as much information as you can on the actual consultants who will be working on your project to let you assess their experience and skill set. Ask for their profiles, or even better, meet them / talk to them if you can. Get an understanding of whether there is a pool of consultants your partner can tap into if required, especially if your project throws up particularly complex or niche requirements that demand a particular skill set. Even better, get an understanding of how consultants are continually developing their knowledge and upskilling.


8- Training and Support

  1. All ERP implementations require post-Go-Live support. It’s important to choose a partner who can cater to these needs, either by providing either ad-hoc or 24/7 support as required. 
  2. Training should form a key part of the implementation plan (using our methodology, it does!), but the level of training required can vary. Do you need ongoing training that covers all key aspects of your chosen ERP solution, or do you require expert training with a view to creating ‘super-users’ who can then use their knowledge to train in-house?


9- Relationship with the ERPNext

  1. Any potential implementation partner should have a great relationship with ERPNext they represent. Particularly as they act as the intermediary between you the customer, and the vendor themselves. Any issues that might arise with the software, or if some specific changes/requests need to be made which need the input of the solution vendor, will be much easier to manage if there is a good channel of communication between the solution partner and the software vendor. The level of partner certification is also important here as are any awards, or recognition the vendor may have presented to the partner to illustrate the strength of the relationship.


While this list is not set in stone, it gives what we feel are the main points to consider when selecting an ERP implementation partner. What we do know is that choosing the right partner for your ERP implementation project is a key part of determining its success. Partnering with the right team, with the right knowledge, skills, experience, and shared goals is the first step on the right path.

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So we specialize in customizations, upgrades & migrations, support, implementations as well as custom extension development.


Golive Solutions

ERPNext Egypt Partner

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