ERP TASTE TEST	THE ERP BOX	DR. VON SCHNECKTLE
SALLY FROCKMEISTER	ERP THERAPY SESSION	DR.BRUCE BRICE BREWSTER

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The BOBI Promise

Once the BOBI has cracked the code to how ERPs convert client abuse into a steady stream of revenue, we will share the findings in a series of industry white papers that all can download without the whole annoying registration process.

COMMENTS

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The success of an ERP implementation depends on fundamental elements:
1) Long term vision and strategic planning
2) Communication of the vision and strategy such that everybody undersatnds their role and their contribution
3) Accountability
4) Openness to change
5) Put your A team on the ERP project. Yes, that's a stock phrase, but it got that way for a reason. ERP is hard, and it takes the best people.

Best of Breed is simply a fancy way of justifying the silo mentality. It is rooted in a resistance to change, in an attitude of "hands off my process; I rule my little kingdom". Best of breed is rarely as advertised. It leads to fragmented planning, a fragmented reporting environment, and a fragmented way of thinking. Best of breed environments are horribly inefficient. I've never seen one that wasn't losing significant amounts of money due to inefficient cash management for example.But hey, who cares about the overall good of the entity as long as our asses are covered in this office, eh?

Dr Von Schnecktle's Response:

Dear Anti-BOBite:
I was an ERP robot myself back in the 90s. Glad to see my old “fundamental elements” list is still getting play from the 1995 powerpoint presentation I put together with my ex-ERP cohorts. After delivering the “5 Things List” we trained scores of ERP sales people to say: “No worries Mr. Client, Just do these 5 fundamental things and all will be fundamentally OK. Oh, and sign the check upfront.”

I also love that #5 line “Put your A Team on the ERP project.” We used to fly Mr T into our ERP sales conventions to deliver that line on stage. “I PITY THE FOOL who goes with a best of breed.” He got way more applause than Anthony Michael Hall! But man can Mr T eat!

Sally Frockmeister, the Operations Manager here at the BOBI, has your number, though. As a shepherdess in Montana she knows that sheep will follow alpha males like yourself (with empty mantras)...straight off a cliff.

With regards to your “Best of Breed environments are horribly inefficient” comment I direct you to the following link that highlights AMR’s Top 25 Supply Chains - all of which utilize Best of Breed Software to make their supply chains more nimble. But then again, that’s just the top 25. I’m sure there’s a company with a single ERP on that list if will drill down further.

http://www.amrresearch.com/supplychaintop25/


I have written white papers and IT strategy and IT strategy briefings on this phenomenom since the mid 90's. It amazes how few execs are well informed to not make this mistake. I love the line... "once you take the ERP plunge it is never over" :) Keep up the good work. For some great common sense approaches check out www.texaslcc.org
Jon Kirkegaard
PresidentDCRA Inc.
www.DCRASolutions.com


You need to expand this concept and start accepting membership to the Best of Breed Institute.


Is the Obama administration funding this effort?


Very interesting. For the first time I feel that I am not alone in saying the King has no clothes. My beef is that ERP Planning systems are unable to handle the concept of TIME. Imagine having the nerve to sell planning systems that can't manage TIME...I wrote a book about all this called The Little Blue Book on Scheduling. http://www.stpartners.net/book.html


Our company tried the all-ERP approach and abandon it 4 years ago. We banged our heads against the wall and gave up. Things aren't perfect but I can tell you we are a lot nimbler. Onward BOBI!


I love this idea. When can we expect the next experiment?


Surely the Best of Breed products just supplement a ERP system, don't you need one of those AND the Best of Breed product that does a better job of implementing functionlity in the defined area of the BoB product over the ERP system. I think the WM products need a host system, would that be an ERP system?

Dr Von Schnecktle's Response:

Dear bedazzled ERP-ite,
Your comment is appreciated. As you point out, ERP systems, like the IRS, are necessary. Someone needs to manage and track daily business transactions (and periodically harangue constituents for compliance J). But try asking these monolithic monstrosities for the speed and flexibility needed to manage dynamically changing requirements across an organization. They can’t do it. They’re just not built for it. It’d be like saddling up a sumo wrestler for the Kentucky Derby and expecting to win. Nonetheless, executives everywhere continue to plop 800 pound ERPs on top of supply chains that need flexibility and speed. Btw, if you want to participate in our upcoming “Do you bang your head against an ERP?” study, please email Sally Frockmeister (sfrockmeister@email.bobvserp.com) . Thank you for your interest in the BOBI!


Funny, witty and refreshingly playful parody on typical pitch of an ERP software company.


V funny. People sometimes need humor to see how ridiculous a situation actually is. ERPs may quickly retool their model after seeing this site. Then again, best case scenario, “quickly” means, like, 3-5 years.


Why anyone would buy an ERP solution over a Best of Breed opportunity has left me more confused than the Octomom on bath day. Maybe it has become cool to speak on the first tee of the amount of money your company lost last quarter/year/decade... Maybe these CEO's are hoping for a little quick and dirty bailout money to round out their portfolio....who knows?

Settling for an entire system made up of 80% effective solutions is never effective... an umbrella that is 80% effective still gets you wet, a dog that is 80% housebroken still leaves your house smelling like a kennel and a pizza that is 80% delivered still isn't at your door....

The real irony? Companies use ERP's to MINIMIZE IMPLEMENTATION COSTS AND HASSLES!! Costs that are typically 25% MORE expensive and larger in scope than using best of breed solutions.

I hope my marriage lasts as long as the normal Mega ERP implementation.... though I know my wife doesn't..

BOBI will bring knowledge to the masses like a summer storm brings rain to the prairie....


As an SC BOB WMS user I believe this is a Brilliant Idea. I wish you good luck!!!