You're venturing into third-party ERP integrations. How do you establish trust with new vendors?

In large ERP implementations, integrating third-party solutions is a challenging area that often adds high risks. Before embarking on such projects, thorough due diligence is crucial. It's wise to use structured methods, including third-party risk management services for new vendors, to establish the vendor’s credibility. If it's an OEM, assess potential risks collaboratively, focusing on data sensitivity and compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. Consider the project size, stakeholders, and communication logistics. Form a project team from both parties, establish clear communication and expectations, ensure technology compliance, & define deliverables to achieve incremental success. Involve architecture and Infosec team timely.

Saludos. En mi experiencia con el uso de ERP desde inicio del año 2000 hasta el presente, puedo decir que más que someter a la confianza del uso de aplicaciones de un tercero, es hacer con el cliente un trabajo no vinculativo con el ERP en si, sino con sus procesos en la organización, ejecutando test o cuestionarios antes de indicar cuál sería el ERP que se puede ajustar o acercar a sus necesidades. Recordemos que siempre tendremos una brecha de insatisfacción y debemos manejarla en mínimos porcentajes, porque jamás se eliminarán.

Mandatory client reference interviews! ERP implementations are all unique, so no former client’s details will be entirely applicable. However, they can detail how change was managed, delays, etc.

References are #1. Before getting into an official agreement / deal with a first timer, there could be POC which can be developed by the vendors' team and which can be assessed by the Solution Architect of your company. And yeah, Nothing beats in person meetings.

Transparency & References: Provide clear documentation outlining the integration process, data security protocols, and ongoing support. Offer references from satisfied clients who have successfully implemented similar integrations. Security & Expertise: Demonstrate strong security practices with industry-standard certifications. Highlight your team's expertise in both your core ERP system and the specific third-party vendor's platform.

Conduct thorough due diligence on potential vendors. Evaluate their reputation, experience in ERP integrations, and client references. Verify their credentials and certifications related to security practices. Clearly define your organization's security standards and requirements for ERP integrations. Ensure that vendors comply with industry standards such as ISO 27001 for information security management. Require vendors to use strong encryption protocols (e.g., AES-256) for data transmission and storage. Ensure that sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest to protect against unauthorized access.

Realize uma due diligence completa em fornecedores em potencial. Avalie sua reputação, experiência em integrações de ERP e referências de clientes. Verifique suas credenciais e certificações relacionadas às práticas de segurança. Defina claramente os padrões e requisitos de segurança da sua organização para integrações de ERP. Certifique-se de que os fornecedores estejam em conformidade com os padrões do setor, como a ISO 27001, para gerenciamento de segurança da informação. Exigir que os fornecedores usem protocolos de criptografia fortes (por exemplo, AES-256) para transmissão e armazenamento de dados. Certifique-se de que os dados confidenciais sejam criptografados em trânsito e em repouso para proteger contra acesso não autorizado.

Clearly define the scope of work for the ERP integration project. Specify the objectives, deliverables, timelines, and milestones that the vendor is responsible for achieving. Provide detailed specifications for the ERP system requirements, including functionality, performance expectations, and any specific customization or configuration needs. Include measurable SLAs that outline the level of service expected from the vendor. Define parameters such as uptime guarantees, response times for support requests, and resolution times for issues.

Defina claramente o escopo de trabalho para o projeto de integração do ERP. Especifique os objetivos, entregas, cronogramas e marcos que o fornecedor é responsável por alcançar. Forneça especificações detalhadas para os requisitos do sistema ERP, incluindo funcionalidade, expectativas de desempenho e quaisquer necessidades específicas de personalização ou configuração. Inclua SLAs mensuráveis que descrevam o nível de serviço esperado do fornecedor. Defina parâmetros como garantias de tempo de atividade, tempos de resposta para solicitações de suporte e tempos de resolução para problemas.

Identify primary points of contact from both your organization and the vendor's team. Clearly communicate roles, responsibilities, and expectations for each contact person. Schedule regular meetings or calls to discuss project progress, updates, and any challenges. This could be weekly or bi-weekly depending on the project's complexity and timeline. Use project management tools or collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana) to facilitate communication, document sharing, and task tracking. Ensure that both parties have access and are familiar with the tools being used.

Engaging in a pilot program with Glokal AI, a leading Fintech AI service provider, can revolutionize financial operations within SAP. Picture integrating their AI-driven algorithms to automate financial forecasting and risk management processes. During the pilot phase, you'd witness firsthand how their solutions optimize cash flow predictions or enhance fraud detection, all within a controlled environment. A successful pilot not only validates Glokal AI's capabilities but also positions your organization to leverage advanced AI tools effectively, ensuring compliance, reducing financial risks, and driving strategic decision-making in real-time. Such partnership promises to elevate financial operations to new heights of efficiency.