It can be simple if your requirements are small. That said, I have been dragged in to manage the amicable wind-down of failing software projects run by over ambitious vendors working with buyers with no experience of the complexities that can come with these types of project.

The most important thing when making the decision of ‘suite or best-of-breed’ is really what you need. Do you need a solution that is integrated with your accounting system? Or are you just talking to your ERP vendor because you don’t really know where else to look?

One approach, if you are worried about sourcing a solution that seems bigger than your experience or comfort level, is to chat with a consultant who is experienced in the type of solutions you need. Experienced consultants know the players, and their relative strengths and weaknesses. And a little investment up front can help you significantly down the line with less stress and a better implemented solution.

Personally, I advise people on business process improvement projects, as I’ve worked around the industry for years, and know when a BPM ‘suite’ vendor may be better (or worse) than just using the additional modules in your ERP, or selecting a simple, easy to configure tool that is completely separate. Simplicity is often the key!

The Microsoft Dynamics Ax platform largely delivers both options now and the next release will see significant architecture improvements to further enable the combination of powerful core features, best of breed vertical addons developed on the same platform and layered architecture and managed code for local customisations and interoperability to multiple other systems – for example a hub and spoke tier approach to work with other erp solutions, unified messaging, .net compatibility etc.

Stephen Jones – Synergy Software

“Best-of-Breed Business Systems: Traps & Lies”

http://blog.prolecto.com/2010/01/26/best-of-breed-business-systems-traps-lies/

Marty Zigman
Prolecto Resources, Inc.
http://blog.prolecto.com/social