The decision to implement or upgrade an ERP system is one of the most significant investments your business will ever make. It’s not just about the software; it’s about the future efficiency, scalability, and visibility of your entire operation.
That’s why you’ve signed up for an itSHOWCASE ERP Discovery Day. But once you arrive at the venue – whether it’s the iconic Allianz Stadium in Twickenham or Old Trafford in Manchester – what should you actually do to ensure you leave with a shortlist of winners?
Here is your guide to navigating an itSHOWCASE Discovery Day like a pro.
The Strategy: Use your pre-arranged meetings
Unlike a standard trade show where you wander aimlessly, itSHOWCASE is built around pre-arranged meetings. When you registered, you told us about your project, and we matched you with providers who actually specialise in your sector – be it manufacturing, distribution, or professional services.
- Don’t skip them: These 1:1 sessions are your ‘speed-dating’ opportunity. They allow you to bypass the sales pitch and get straight to the technical and cultural ‘fit.’
- Bring your ‘Pain Points’: Start every meeting by describing your biggest daily headache. Is it stock visibility? Disconnected finance systems? Manual reporting? A great supplier will show you exactly how they solve that specific problem first.
The Information Gather: Focus on ‘sector fit’
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is buying a ‘generic’ ERP. During your Discovery Day, you’ll meet experts from brands such as NoBlue2 (NetSuite), WinMan, Exel, and Advania.
- Ask the Sector Question: “How many clients do you have in my specific industry?”
- Look for Specialisms: Some exhibitors focus purely on Sage X3, while others are Microsoft Dynamics 365 experts. Use the Discovery Day to understand why one platform might suit a manufacturer better than a wholesaler.
The Culture Check
You aren’t just buying software; you’re entering a long-term partnership with a supplier.
- Talk to the People: Do they speak your language? Do they understand the nuances of your business? The Discovery Day is your chance to see if their team’s approach understands your company culture. You can tell a lot more from a 15-minute conversation at a stadium than you can from a 50-page RFP.
Divide and Conquer
If you’ve brought colleagues along (which we highly recommend!), don’t stay glued to each other.
- Send Finance one way, Operations the other: Let your Finance Director focus on the ‘single source of truth’ and reporting, while your Operations Manager looks at the warehouse management or shop-floor features.
- Regroup over coffee: Use the breaks to compare notes. If you both liked the same supplier for different reasons, they likely belong at the top of your shortlist.
The Golden Rule: Leave with a shortlist
The goal of the day isn’t to buy software on the spot – it’s to help your shortlisting process. By the time you leave, you should ideally have:
- Two or three ‘Preferred Partners’ to invite for a deep-dive demo.
- A clearer understanding of your budget and implementation timeline.
- A sense of the latest trends (like AI integration) that you hadn’t previously considered.
Why itSHOWCASE?
We host our events in inspiring venues because we believe an ERP search shouldn’t be a chore. It should be the start of your business’s next chapter. With free entry and a focus on quality over quantity, it’s the most efficient four hours a Project Manager or Finance Director can spend.
Haven’t booked your spot yet? Visit www.itshowcase.co.uk to find your nearest city and start your journey to ERP perfection.
