About the Author
Selecting a new ERP system is one of the most impactful decisions a business can make. It’s not just about software—it’s about aligning technology with strategy, operations, and long-term growth. At Weidenhammer, we specialize in guiding organizations through this complex process with a proven methodology that brings clarity, structure, and confidence to every step.
Why ERP Selection Is So Critical
ERP implementations often fail—not because the technology is flawed, but because the selection process was rushed, misaligned, or poorly managed. Common issues include vague requirements, lack of executive involvement, and inadequate vendor evaluation. These missteps can lead to costly delays, budget overruns, and systems that simply don’t fit the business.
Weidenhammer’s approach is designed to prevent these outcomes. By focusing on accurate requirements gathering, leadership engagement, and a disciplined evaluation process, we help clients make informed decisions that support their strategic goals.
Why Companies Struggle to Do It Alone
Many organizations underestimate the complexity of ERP selection. It’s not just a technical decision—it’s a cross-functional initiative that requires deep business insight, stakeholder alignment, and a structured framework for comparing solutions.
Internal teams often lack the bandwidth or expertise to manage this process effectively. Requirements gathering can be inconsistent, vendor demos overwhelming, and scoring frameworks nonexistent. Without a clear roadmap, teams can quickly become misaligned, leading to confusion and poor outcomes.
By focusing on accurate requirements gathering, leadership engagement, and a disciplined evaluation process, we help clients make informed decisions that support their strategic goals.
The High Cost of Getting It Wrong
When ERP selection goes off track, the consequences can be severe. Consider Hershey Foods, which attempted a massive ERP rollout right before Halloween—its busiest season. The result? Over $150 million in lost sales and a supply chain crisis that impacted profits and stock price. Nike faced similar challenges with a $400 million supply chain overhaul that led to inventory mismatches and public fallout.
There are countless other examples.
These aren’t isolated incidents. ERP failures have affected companies across industries, often due to poor planning and lack of governance. That’s why Weidenhammer’s process is built to ensure alignment, accountability, and success from day one.
Our Process: Structured, Transparent, and Client-Centric
Weidenhammer’s ERP selection methodology is both repeatable and tailored to each client’s unique needs. It begins with a deep discovery phase, where we conduct executive interviews, tour facilities, and document business drivers and functional requirements. We also assess integration needs and prioritize requirements to create a clear foundation for vendor evaluation.
In the second phase, we develop RFI and RFP documents, research and score vendors, and facilitate demonstrations. We help clients evaluate total cost of ownership, implementation plans, and contract terms—ultimately guiding them to a confident final selection.
Deliverables That Drive Decisions
Our clients receive a comprehensive suite of deliverables to support their decision-making, including detailed requirements documentation, vendor scoring matrices, demo agendas, and expert recommendations. Every step is designed to empower teams with the clarity and confidence they need to choose the right solution.
Case Study: Asbury Carbons
When Asbury Carbons, Inc. needed to replace their legacy ERP system, they partnered with Weidenhammer to find a modern, SaaS-based solution. The project focused on creating an integrated and scalable application environment, improving order management, enhancing traceability and costing, and integrating with Power BI for advanced analytics.
Over 300 hours of consulting went into discovery, analysis, and project management—culminating in a successful vendor selection and a clear roadmap for implementation.
