An Impartial Evaluation Method for Enterprise System Selection

"We chose this ERP because the vendor's demo was good." We've heard this sentence a lot. Software with a good demo isn't good software. The right system selection requires an impartial evaluation methodology.

01. The Decision-Criteria Matrix

First, 15-20 criteria that matter for your company are identified. Sample headings:

• Support in Turkey and support SLA
• Industry-specific modules
• Integration with ERP / other systems
• User interface and learning curve
• Pricing model (license, maintenance, implementation)
• References (other companies in the same industry)
• Cloud and on-premise hosting options

02. Weighting

Each criterion is given a weight from 1 to 5. If "support in Turkey" is critical for you, 5; if standard, 3. If these weights aren't set at the start, you'll act emotionally when scoring later.

03. Vendor Meeting and Scoring

The same questions are asked of every vendor, and answers are scored 1-10. A weighted total score is calculated. Logically, the highest score should be the winner.

But there are "it doesn't feel right" situations. In that case, perhaps the matrix's weights weren't accurate enough; review them again — don't force the system.

04. The Consultant's Role: An Impartial Position

The consultant's role is to favor no vendor, to sit with you in every demo, and to make sense of the technical answers. If the consultant is a distributor for a particular brand, impartiality is lost; this transparency should be clarified at the start.