The Next-Generation ERP Selection Tool

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a software system integrating core business processes such as finance, supply chain, inventory, HR, and operations into a single platform. It helps businesses streamline operations, improve efficiency, and make data-driven decisions by providing real-time visibility across departments.

ERP requirements gathering identifies and documents business needs before selecting and implementing an ERP system. This step ensures the new system aligns with a company’s workflows, regulatory needs, and strategic goals. Without a structured requirements gathering process, businesses risk choosing an ERP that fails to meet their needs, leading to costly delays, inefficiencies, and frustration.

A well-defined requirements gathering process reduces risk, prevents scope creep, and ensures smooth ERP implementation. It helps businesses:

• Identify key business processes and inefficiencies to be addressed by the ERP.
• Avoid unnecessary customizations by selecting an ERP that fits out-of-the-box.
• Ensure all stakeholders’ needs are met, improving adoption and user satisfaction.
• Set expectations for ERP vendors, leading to more accurate project timelines and costs.

A request for proposal (RFP) is a business document that announces a project, describes it, and solicits bids from qualified contractors to complete it. For ERP the traditional way is usually a comprehensive project to map the business needs and requirements for ERP evaluation.

Microsoft Dynamics GP was the ERP product previously called Great Plains that was acquired by Microsoft more than 20 years ago. 

Microsoft Dynamics AX was the ERP product previously called Axapta that was acquired by Microsoft more than 20 years ago. 

Microsoft Dynamics NAV was the ERP product previously called Navision that was acquired by Microsoft more than 20 years ago. 

After End of Life, there will be no further product enhancements, regulatory updates, or technical support. 

It is a web based tool for customer themselves to conduct a comprehensive business needs assessment with an output of fit & gap and rough order of magnitude project and effort estimates. 

Microsoft wants to support the loyal existing customers with an assessment to guide them on their path to potential new solution, and what is takes. Microsoft believes the best way for customers to leverage AI and Co-pilots its through their cloud transition for BC or F&SCM.