ERP seminars in September from big small four

Four of the biggest UK ERP software developers and implementers have got together in an unusual market alliance to offer SME manufacturers advice and guidance on doing better with their systems. The four are Syspro Impact Encore VAR McGuffie Brunton, K3, Lilly Software and Infor:Swan. Speaking for the foursome, Howard Joseph, sales director at McGuffie, says: “We intend to provide education on the best ways of selecting and implementing ERP systems and judging ROI (return on investment).” This is not about product selling, he insists, but about sharing best practice and their collective experience from across the four organisations, and from IBM, which is also working with the SME manufacturing community. Their first series of events is scheduled for September, hosted by IBM Global Services. The first is slated for IBM Warwick on 10 September, followed by IBM Manchester on 12 September and then IBM Bedfont Lakes, London on 18 September. The agenda for each will cover how to select, professional buying considerations, professional specification methods, how to implement, points to look for and insist upon, how to judge ROI and justify expenditure and, most important, how to manage change. Joseph says the events are aimed at managing directors, manufacturing managers, IT managers and the like of companies in the £3 million to £75 million turnover range. The venture is not without precedent; the question is how much further these rivals are prepared to go. They seem to accept that there is overlap in their target companies and markets, but believe also that they have everything to gain and nothing to lose from this loose ‘trade association’. Says Joseph: “It can only go so far. At the end of the day we are competitors… But it’s good for users and it’s good for us all.” The seminars are free. For more info go to www.erp-vendors.org.uk