Choosing an ERP program is not just about comparing the feature list or license price. It is a long-term decision that determines how production, inventory, sales, purchasing and finance processes will work on which system. This guide has been prepared for you to evaluate ERP companies with the same questions and create a short list based on your real business needs rather than marketing rhetoric.
If you are just starting out with the ERP concept, first What is an ERP program and what does it do? Read the guide. This content is "How to choose an ERP program?" focuses on the question.
What to Ask When Choosing Domestic ERP for SMEs?
Do not accept the term “domestic” on its own. Verify in writing the company’s legal presence in Turkey, Turkish support channels, e‑Transformation scope, data transfer method, and cloud service responsibilities.
To see the equivalent of these criteria in the KG Melanis product Domestic ERP package for SMEs and review it.
ERP Selection Roadmap
- Step 1: Current Situation Analysis and Determination of Needs
- Step 2: Budget and Resource Planning (Not Just Software!)
- Step 3: ERP Software and Supplier Research
- Step 4: Demo Process and Reference Check
- Step 5: Clarifying the Contract and Implementation Plan
- Comparison: Questions to Ask ERP Companies
- Neutral Selection: How to Determine the Best ERP Program?
- Compatibility: Which Companies Is Korgün Not Suitable For?
- Checklist: 10 Critical ERP Selection Criteria
ERP Program Comparison Table
Request the same information in writing from the ERP companies on your shortlist. This way, you can compare the suitability of the solution for your business, not the presentation style.
| criterion | question to ask | Ask for proof |
|---|---|---|
| Industry compliance | Are our production, subcontracting, variant, lot, store or distribution processes met in a standard structure? | Similar industry demo and active customer reference |
| Modularity | Can we start with the required modules today and expand the scope later? | Module list, dependencies and additional user costs |
| Integration | How does e-Invoice connect with banks, e-commerce, cargo, machinery and existing applications? | Current integration list, methods and responsibilities |
| Total cost of ownership | Apart from the license, what will we pay for installation, training, adaptation, maintenance and infrastructure? | Total cost table for at least three years |
| Support | From which channel, at what hours and how long will we receive support after going live? | Support scope, service durations and responsible team |
| data migration | Which of the current, stock, bill of materials, open order and past transactions will be transferred? | Data migration scope, test plan and reconciliation method |
| Cloud / on-premises | Which installation model suits our internet, security, access and maintenance needs? | Hosting location, backup, access and update conditions |
How to Make an Unbiased Choice Among ERP Companies?
The “best ERP program” is not the same product for everyone. The best option; It is a solution that meets your critical processes with minimal dependency on additional development, is available to employees, has a sustainable budget and has clear implementation responsibility.
Compare scenario instead of name
Ask each ERP company to demonstrate the same order-to-shipment scenario with an example similar to your own data.
Call the reference directly
Ask the reference given by the company about the project duration, quality of support, additional costs and user adoption of the system.
Clarify standard scope
Get written information about whether each feature shown in the demo is in the standard product, a paid module, or a special development.
Also consider exit conditions
Find out in what format you can receive your data when the contract ends, migration support and possible exit costs.
Which Companies Might Not Be Suitable for Korgün ERP?
Discussing situations in which a solution is not suitable from the beginning prevents the wrong ERP investment. It may be better to consider a simpler or differently specialized solution instead of Korgün in the following expectations:
- Those who only want to issue invoices, keep customer/supplier accounts and simple income-expense tracking; Very small businesses with no production, warehouse or integration needs.
- Companies that expect process analysis, data cleaning, training and the system to be installed automatically without assigning an internal project manager.
- Businesses that require unlimited custom development with low budget and in a very short time, without changing their entire operation.
- Projects that require very specific legislation or vertical expertise that are outside the sector and integration scope of Korgün.
- Does not require authorization, common data usage and process standards; Companies that prefer to maintain the independent Excel layout of departments.
ERP Selection Process: Step by Step Progress
Choosing the right ERP software is like running a marathon. Instead of starting fast, progressing with steady and planned steps brings success.
Step 1: Current Situation Analysis and Needs Identification
This is the basis of the entire process. “Why do we need an ERP?” You must answer the question honestly. You should set out not only to renew technology, but also to solve concrete problems in your business processes.
- Map your existing workflows (sales, purchasing, production, accounting, inventory, etc.).
- Which processes have repetitive manual work?
- What gaps do you experience in the data flow between departments?
- Which reports are you having trouble obtaining?
- What are your future growth targets and does your current system support them?
Step 2: Budget and Resource Planning (Not Just Software!)
The total cost of the ERP project is not just the software license fee. Consider the concept of "Total Cost of Ownership" (TCO):
Don't Miss: In addition to License/Subscription fees; Include analysis, installation, training, data transfer, possible customizations, hardware (if necessary) and annual maintenance/support costs in your budget.
Also, identify a project leader and a team of key users to manage the project internally. The time they spend on this project is also a cost.
Step 3: ERP Software and Supplier Research
Once you've clarified your needs and budget, you can begin researching potential ERP solutions and companies that offer them. Start with a long list and eliminate it based on your criteria to create a shortlist of 3-4 companies.
- Sector Experience: Does the supplier have experience in your industry?
- Technology: Is a cloud-based or on-premise solution more suitable for you?
- Local Support: Is there a local support team that you can easily reach in case of need?
- Flexibility and Scalability: Can the software adapt to your needs as your company grows?
Step 4: Demo Process and Reference Check
This is the "test drive" stage. Ask the supplier to prepare a demo tailored to your workflows instead of a standard presentation. For example, request a live demonstration of a scenario from start to finish such as "a customer order being taken, production being planned, shipment being dispatched, and the invoice being issued."
After the demo, be sure to call the reference customers the supplier will give you. Get honest feedback about the implementation process, the quality of support they received, and how satisfied they were with the software.
Step 5: Clarifying the Contract and Implementation Plan
At the final stage, all details need to be clarified in writing. Make sure the following items are clearly stated in the contract:
- Scope of the project (which modules will be installed).
- Total cost and payment schedule.
- Detailed project calendar (analysis, installation, training, go-live dates).
- Responsibilities of the parties.
- Supported service level agreements (SLA).
To evaluate the solutions on your shortlist with the same list of needs ERP program scope and selection guide You can also use .
10 Critical ERP Selection Criteria for SMEs
1. Process Need
Manual tasks, data gaps, and reporting issues that need to be resolved should be clearly identified.
2. Sectoral Compliance
ERP should support your business’s real processes such as production, variant, subcontracting, retail, or distribution.
3. End-to-End Integrity
Finance, inventory, sales, purchasing and production data must work consistently within the same system.
4. Integration Ability
Connections with e-Invoice, bank, e-commerce, cargo, warehouse and field applications should be verified at the selection stage.
5. Availability
Making the screens understandable to everyday users reduces the risk of training and adaptation.
6. Scalability
The system must bear growth when users, transaction volumes, warehouses, companies and sales channels increase.
7. Total Cost of Ownership
In addition to the license, installation, training, data transfer, customization, maintenance and internal team time should be calculated.
8. Data Security
Authorization, backup, KVKK processes and business continuity conditions should be clear in the contract.
9. Support and Expertise
The supplier's sectoral project experience, support model, SLA conditions and references should be examined.
10. Implementation Plan
Pilot scope, data cleaning, training, responsible parties, KPIs and go‑live schedule must be defined.
Check Out Related Solutions
To learn general ERP concepts the ERP What Is Guide; for production, stock and commercial processes KG Palaimon ERP solution and review it.
How Was This Guide Prepared?
The content was prepared with the field experience of the product and project teams of Korgün Yazılım, which has been carrying out ERP and commercial software projects since 1992, and was updated on June 12, 2026. For company history and team structure Korgün Software company profile and review it.
Real project examples of the evaluation approach: Bambi, Esinti Leather, Terda Group and Muya can be seen in success stories.