{"id":7384,"date":"2024-03-19T10:53:07","date_gmt":"2024-03-19T09:53:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/esn-how-to-write-the-right-specifications-for-an-erp-project-1-concrete-example.html"},"modified":"2026-08-19T15:41:34","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T13:41:34","slug":"it-services-companies-how-to-write-specifications-for-erp-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/it-services-companies-how-to-write-specifications-for-erp-project.html","title":{"rendered":"IT services companies: How to write the right specifications for an ERP project? + 1 concrete example"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Reading time: 9 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ve decided to implement an ERP system within your IT services company. But where to start? Which ERP to choose? What features do you need?   <\/p>\n<p>To answer these questions, you need to go through the &#8220;specifications&#8221; phase.<\/p>\n<p>The specifications will help you set up your ERP project, so you can choose the solution that best suits your needs.<\/p>\n<p>This article will guide you through the process of drafting your specifications with <strong>28 questions to ask yourself<\/strong>. And because an example is always more helpful, we\u2019re providing a concrete example of specifications. <\/p>\n<h2>What are ERP specifications?<\/h2>\n<p>We could define the <a href=\"https:\/\/fr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cahier_des_charges\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">requirements specification<\/a> as a compilation of a company&#8217;s needs regarding a project. This could be for the purchase of a new tool, the development of a website, and so on. <\/p>\n<p>The specifications will serve as a frame of reference between the company in need and its service providers, enabling them to discuss the project and provide a response in the form of a service or product.<\/p>\n<p>It includes a certain amount of information to support the project&#8217;s reflection, such as context, objectives, resources (human and financial), deadlines, etc.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1477\" data-end=\"1790\">In an <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/request-a-demonstration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ERP project<\/a>, developing a rigorous requirements specification is essential for defining all expectations. This strategic document helps structure project management by clearly identifying business needs, existing processes, and constraints specific to the company. <\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"2015\">A well-drafted set of specifications for an ERP project also facilitates project management, as it serves as a guide throughout the various phases of deployment, from vendor selection to go-live.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2017\" data-end=\"2417\">But then, who drafts the ERP requirements specification? In most cases, it is developed collaboratively by internal stakeholders (management, CFO, HR, etc.) with the possible assistance of a specialized external consultant. Developing the requirements document can take several weeks, as it requires a precise definition of needs and a thorough understanding of the company\u2019s processes.  <\/p>\n<p>To help you draw up the best possible specifications for your ERP project, here are 28 questions to ask yourself.<\/p>\n<h2>ESN: 28 questions to help you draw up your ERP project specifications<\/h2>\n<h3>Questions about your company<\/h3>\n<p>On the one hand, these questions enable service providers to get to know your company better, and on the other hand, they provide an opportunity to carry out an internal analysis of your company in order to establish the right foundations for the project.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What is the name of your IT services company?<\/li>\n<li>When was it created?<\/li>\n<li>What is its business sector?<\/li>\n<li>What are its sales?<\/li>\n<li>What&#8217;s your headcount?<\/li>\n<li>How can you be organized and structured? (Group with subsidiaries, etc.) <\/li>\n<li>Who are the typical future ERP users?<\/li>\n<li>Where are you based? (Geographically) <\/li>\n<li>What is your current management system?<\/li>\n<li>What software\/solutions do you use in-house?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3317\" data-end=\"3503\">These questions also provide a better understanding of the key business processes that need to be integrated into the ERP system, which is essential for tailoring the solution to the specific needs of your business.<br \/>\n<em data-start=\"3317\" data-end=\"3503\"><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Questions about your issues<\/h3>\n<p>These questions will help you understand why you&#8217;re embarking on an ERP project.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What management difficulties does your service company face today?<\/li>\n<li>What are your goals? (qualitative and quantitative) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"3986\">For example, do you want <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/process-automation-a-strategic-challenge-for-cfos.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">to automate certain processes<\/a>? Reduce data entry errors? Improve collaboration between departments? These goals must be clear and measurable.<br \/>\n<em data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"3986\"><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Questions about your expectations<\/h3>\n<p>Defining your expectations enables you to identify the functionalities you need to meet your challenges. This will serve as the basis for your search for service providers. <\/p>\n<h4>From a functional point of view<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Would you prefer a <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/erp-cloud-vs-erp-saas-do-you-prefer-cloud-or-saas.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SaaS or on-premises solution<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li>Do you want a general or specialized publisher?<\/li>\n<li>What modules and functionalities are expected?<\/li>\n<li>What additional requirements do you have? (specific developments, training, etc.) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4522\" data-end=\"4635\">A clear definition of functional requirements helps you avoid choosing a solution that is either too complex or incomplete.<br \/>\n<em data-start=\"4522\" data-end=\"4635\"><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<h4>From a technical point of view<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>What are your requirements in terms of ERP authentication (Single Sign On, etc.)?<\/li>\n<li>Would you like a mobile application linked to your ERP?<\/li>\n<li>Do you have requirements in terms of exports, imports, APIs, etc.?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4898\" data-end=\"5007\">These aspects are essential to ensuring that the ERP system integrates with your existing information system.<br \/>\n<em data-start=\"4898\" data-end=\"5007\"><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<h4>From a graphic point of view<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Do you want to be able to customize your solution?<\/li>\n<li>Do you need special page layouts?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5154\" data-end=\"5272\">The usability and customization of the interface can have a significant impact <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/la-conduite-du-changement-cle-de-ladhesion-des-utilisateurs-lors-du-deploiement-dun-erp.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">on your teams&#8217; adoption of the tool<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Questions about your constraints<\/h3>\n<p>Every project has its constraints. Talking about these constraints helps us to anticipate them and to think carefully about how to respond to them. Selected publishers will be asked to respond.  <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Does the solution have to handle cross-company issues?<\/li>\n<li>Does the solution have to be multilingual?<\/li>\n<li>Does the solution have to be multi-currency?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5669\" data-end=\"5803\">It is also important to anticipate any legal, industry-specific, or data security-related requirements (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/personnel-management-and-rgpd-how-to-manage-and-comply.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GDPR<\/a>). <\/p>\n<h3>Do you have any questions about your deadlines?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What are your deadlines (operational start-up, etc.)?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5907\" data-end=\"6013\">A clear schedule helps align all project stakeholders from the very start of the ERP project.<\/p>\n<h3>Questions about your resources<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What&#8217;s your budget?<\/li>\n<li>Who is the project referent?<\/li>\n<li>Who are the project participants?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The budget must account not only for the ERP subscription, but also for costs related to training, data migration, maintenance, and support.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>+1 example of project specifications for an ERP project<\/h2>\n<p>VSActivity is a SaaS ERP system designed specifically for the consulting and service industries. We have therefore used a digital services company as an example. This will allow you to see what a set of specifications looks like.  <\/p>\n<h3>MLL, a IT services company<\/h3>\n<p>By answering the main questions above, here are the specifications for MLL.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The company: MLL consulting group<\/li>\n<li>Creation date: 2005<\/li>\n<li>Sector: company specializing in IT consulting and services<\/li>\n<li>Sales: 30 million euros<\/li>\n<li>Workforce: 400 employees<\/li>\n<li>Future users: HR, CFO, Sales, consultants and sales staff<\/li>\n<li>Locations: Paris, Bordeaux and Lyon<\/li>\n<li>Current management system: spreadsheets and small software packages (payroll and CRM)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>The challenges<\/h3>\n<p>The company&#8217;s growth means that managing with spreadsheets and small software packages is no longer enough. We don&#8217;t have a global vision. <\/p>\n<p>We want to harmonize our processes, and have reliable, secure data. We also want to increase the efficiency of our processes by 10%. <\/p>\n<h3>Expectations<\/h3>\n<p>A SaaS solution for IT services companies.<\/p>\n<p><u>Main modules :<\/u><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 706px;\" border=\"1\" width=\"918\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><strong>Modules<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"444\"><strong>Features<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Billing<\/td>\n<td width=\"444\">Invoice preparation, internal re-billing, reporting and key performance indicators, tracking customer payments, invoice posting<\/p>\n<p>Monthly closings by the 5th of the following month<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Activities<\/td>\n<td width=\"444\">Time and Absence Reporting, Workflow Approval, Employee Activity Reporting, Consultant Tracking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">HR<\/td>\n<td width=\"444\">Payroll Processing | Job Alerts | HR Management | Training Program Management and Tracking | GDPR Compliance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Business<\/td>\n<td width=\"444\">Management and Distribution of Work Orders; Sales Follow-up (signature, etc.); Summary Sheet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Mobile App<\/td>\n<td width=\"444\">Featuring key functions such as time tracking, work orders, and more<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Security<\/td>\n<td width=\"444\">Authentication via Microsoft accounts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Management<\/td>\n<td width=\"444\">As a multi-company group, MLL consists of four legal entities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Deadlines<\/h3>\n<p>Project start-up in November for an operational launch in early February, i.e. 3 months.<\/p>\n<h3>The resources<\/h3>\n<p>Project coordinator: Daphn\u00e9 DUPUIS (CFO)<\/p>\n<p>Project participants: Louis JEAN (HR Manager) and Vanille CELESTE (Sales).<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>To conclude on how to write the right specifications for an ERP project<\/h2>\n<p>Drawing up specifications is an essential part of any ERP project. It represents the <strong>basis<\/strong> and <strong>reference for the project<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>The specifications also enable you to ask the right questions about the project, so as to <strong>opt for the best solution<\/strong> to the problems encountered within your IT services company.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"9100\" data-end=\"9261\">It plays a fundamental role in the success of your ERP project management by helping you prioritize actions and manage the project effectively.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"9263\" data-end=\"9593\">In summary, to draft relevant ERP requirements, you must follow a structured approach, analyze the company\u2019s internal processes, identify constraints, and set a reasonable budget. It is this rigorous approach that ensures the successful execution of an ERP project, from planning through to operational implementation. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"515\">Move from drafting specifications to taking action with VSActivity<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"517\" data-end=\"716\">You now have everything you need to write a solid ERP requirements specification. But to take it a step further and successfully implement your ERP project, you still need to choose the right solution\u2026 <\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"718\" data-end=\"1022\">That\u2019s where VSActivity comes in\u2014our all-in-one ERP software designed for IT services firms, consulting firms, and service companies. Thanks to its modular approach, compatibility with business processes, and <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/la-nouvelle-interface-veryswing-debarque-sur-vos-ecrans-en-2025.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">intuitive interface<\/a>, <strong>VSActivity<\/strong> is the logical next step after a well-defined scope of work. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"1024\" data-end=\"1072\">An ERP system that reflects real-world conditions<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1074\" data-end=\"1266\">VSActivity does more than simply meet the broad requirements of a specification; it provides detailed coverage of all the business needs identified during the requirements definition phase.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1268\" data-end=\"1296\">In particular, you&#8217;ll find:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1608\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1386\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1300\" data-end=\"1386\">Comprehensive management of operations, staffing, <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/all-features\/erp-software-for-activities-management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">time tracking<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/all-features\/erp-finance-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">billing<\/a>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1387\" data-end=\"1467\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1389\" data-end=\"1467\">Comprehensive <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/all-features\/hr-management-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HR modules<\/a> (absence management, performance reviews, onboarding, etc.);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1468\" data-end=\"1541\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1470\" data-end=\"1541\">Tools to manage your <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/all-features\/crm-sales-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">performance and margins<\/a> in real time;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1608\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1544\" data-end=\"1608\">A 360\u00b0 view of your processes, your teams, and your customers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"1610\" data-end=\"1666\">A solution tailored to your constraints and objectives<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1668\" data-end=\"1830\">Whether you\u2019ve identified challenges related to budget, multiple companies, connectivity, or mobility, VSActivity adapts to your specific situation:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1832\" data-end=\"2027\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1832\" data-end=\"1867\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1834\" data-end=\"1867\">Remote <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/erp-in-saas-mode-it-services-companies.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SaaS mode<\/a>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1868\" data-end=\"1921\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1870\" data-end=\"1921\">Secure authentication (Microsoft, SSO, etc.);<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"1978\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"1978\">Integrated mobile app for your field teams;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1979\" data-end=\"2027\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1981\" data-end=\"2027\"><a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/gestion-multi-entites-comment-choisir-le-bon-logiciel-erp.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Multi-entity<\/a> management.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2083\">A Partner to Help You Manage Your ERP Project<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2085\" data-end=\"2336\">Drafting the requirements specification is a key step in ERP project management. With <a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/our-solutions\/vsactivity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VSActivity<\/a>, you have a tool that supports you throughout the scoping phase as well as during the deployment, operation, and evolution of your ERP system. <\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2338\" data-end=\"2501\">Highly valued by CFOs, HR managers, sales and marketing managers, and senior management, <strong>vsa<\/strong> offers a seamless experience and measurable productivity gains.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2508\" data-end=\"2691\"><strong data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2568\"><a href=\"https:\/\/veryswing.com\/en\/request-a-demonstration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Request your free demo<\/a> today<\/strong> and discover how VSActivity can transform the requirements in your ERP specifications\u2026 into tangible business value.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reading time: 9 minutes. You&#8217;ve decided to implement an ERP system within your IT services company. But where to start? Which ERP to choose? What features do you need? To answer these questions, you need to go through the &#8220;specifications&#8221; phase. The specifications will help you set up your ERP project, so you can choose [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5596,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"Guide: Requirements Specifications for an ERP Project + 1 Example","_seopress_titles_desc":"ESN: How to Write Effective Requirements Specifications for an ERP Project? 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