Choosing the software is only half of an ERP or CRM decision. The partner who configures, migrates data and trains your team decides whether the platform pays off. This guide gives you a repeatable way to choose one.

Start with your own requirements

Before you speak to any company, write down what you need in plain language: the processes to be covered, the number of users, the systems it must connect to, and the date by which something must work. Partners can only be compared fairly when they all answer the same brief.

Shortlist by fit, not by size

A large firm is not automatically better than a specialist. Look for evidence in three places:

  • Technology depth. Do they work mainly on your platform, and do they hold current certifications or partner status with the vendor?
  • Industry experience. Have they delivered for businesses like yours, in manufacturing, distribution, services or healthcare?
  • Location and support. Can they support your team in your time zone and language, and visit sites if needed?

You can filter companies by technology, product and city on SARVO to build a first list of three to five partners.

Ask for proof, not promises

Request two or three references you can phone, and ask what went wrong as well as what went well. Ask to see a case study with the starting problem, the scope and the result. Be careful with claims that cannot be checked, such as "hundreds of projects" with no named examples.

Compare the way they work

Good partners explain how they run a project: discovery, design, build, testing, training, go-live and support. Ask who your day-to-day contact will be, how changes to scope are handled, and what happens after launch. A clear answer to the last question is a strong sign of a long-term partner.

Read the commercial terms closely

Compare what is included, not just the headline price: data migration, integrations, training, documentation and a support period. Ask how extra work is priced. Fixed scope with a clear change process is usually safer than an open-ended estimate.

Check trust signals independently

A verified badge helps, but it is a starting point. Read the reviews and case studies on the profile, visit the company website, and speak to the references. Our guide on what verification means on SARVO explains exactly what we check and what we do not.

A simple scorecard

Score each shortlisted partner from 1 to 5 on technology fit, industry experience, references, project method, support after go-live and commercial clarity. The partner with the best total is rarely the cheapest or the biggest, and that is fine.

When you are ready, find verified partners or tell SARVO what you need and we will introduce you to suitable companies.