A Three-Dimensional Approach in Evaluating ERP Software Within the Acquisition Process

This paper is based on an extensive study of the evaluation process of the acquisition of an ERP software of four organizations. Three distinct process types and activities were found: vendor’s evaluation, functional evaluation, and technical evaluation. This paper provides another perspective on evaluation and sets it apart as modality for action, whose intent is to investigate and uncover by means of specific defined evaluative activities all issues pertinent to ERP software that an organization can use in its decision to acquire a solution that will meet its needs (i.e., the assessment of the vendor, technology, and fit of a specific ERP software to a given organization).