May 7, 2019 Okuma Gets the Right Software Solution Thanks to TEC

Project Profile

Challenge

Okuma America’s ERP system was aging, and that was creating a host of problems. Generating reports was difficult, and in many cases, impossible. Integrating a large number of side systems was another key problem area. The system contained so many customizations and patches that it ultimately became a serious problem to manage.

TEC Program Used

Standard Evaluation Project

TEC Services Used

Vendor Demonstration Management, Contract & Price Negotiation

The Problem

The organization was facing a situation familiar to many midsize companies: its ERP system was aging, and that was creating a host of problems. Generating reports was difficult, and in many cases, impossible. Integrating a large number of side systems was another key problem area. The system contained so many customizations and patches that it ultimately became a serious problem to manage.

As well, the company’s information technology (IT) department was feeling the effects of a highly patched system. It was spending most of its time and resources simply keeping the system running. And the situation was also problematic for users. They were often mired down trying to get the information they needed to effectively run the company.

Considering the age of the system, and all the problems it was creating, the company decided to take the opportunity to redefine its needs, investigate the market, and ultimately purchase a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. Okuma America engaged TEC to manage a comprehensive and structured evaluation and selection project to find the right ERP system for its unique needs. This involved leveraging the expertise of TEC’s project managers and analysts as well as TEC’s decision support technology, TEC Advisor.

This case study shows how TEC demonstrated deep knowledge of enterprise software selection. TEC’s professional approach, earned Okuma America’s trust, and ultimately ensured that the manufacturer chose the best-fit solution for its needs, at the right price.

The Solution

Okuma America was introduced to TEC Selection Services at an ERP showcase and demonstration event in Chicago, where Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) was the event moderator.

The company was impressed with TEC’s impartiality, as well as its knowledge and understanding of the enterprise software market and its objective approach to complex decision making.

Okuma America also understood the complex nature of enterprise software evaluation and selection. As Okuma America systems analyst Deb Garret says, “I’ve had enough experience with selecting and implementing software to know that it’s an extremely trick process, with lots of ways to go wrong. It seemed like a good idea to bring in some experienced, impartial experts – and that turned out to be a very, very smart decision.”

Click here to access the full story on the TEC website.

About Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC)
Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) is a global consulting and advisory firm, helping organizations select the best enterprise software solution for their needs. TEC reduces the time, cost, and risk associated with enterprise software selection with its advanced decision-making process and support application, software selection experts, and extensive resources.

Over 3.5 million subscribers leverage TEC’s industry-leading research and detailed information on more than 1,000 leading software solutions across all major application areas. For more information, please visit www.technologyevaluation.com.

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