The ERP Shortlist Method That Works

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ERP selection can feel like a straightforward software purchase, and in a way it is, as long as you are confident you are selecting the right system. And therein lies the problem. Too often, organizations default to recognizable brands, lean on informal recommendations, or build massive requirements lists that do not actually support a clear decision. After all, ERP system selection is a long-term commitment that shapes operations, reporting, and decision-making for years.

In this episode of RPI Tech Connect, Chris Arey speaks with ERP selection consultant Corinna Friebel-Fohrholz (joining from Germany’s highly competitive ERP market) about how to approach selection with more discipline and better outcomes. They cover the most common missteps, how to clarify decision criteria early, and how to focus requirements on what truly differentiates the organization, including industry-specific needs, regulatory considerations, and future growth plans.

The conversation also walks through a practical way to move from a long list to a manageable shortlist, structure vendor demos around consistent real-world scenarios, and involve users appropriately while keeping decision ownership clear.

If you are preparing to evaluate ERP options, this episode offers a grounded framework for choosing with confidence and avoiding costly surprises later.