Distribution, manufacturing, assembly and service companies rely on enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to efficiently run and connect the processes within their operations. Since the scope of an ERP system's impact reaches nearly every facet of a manufacturing organization, choosing the right software package is vital. But with so many options on the market, all of them boasting different functionality and strengths, how do manufacturers know which one is right for their business?

In part one of this two-part director's guide to choosing manufacturing ERP software, discover the expertise you need to know in order to select the right system for your company. Inside, explore:

• Seven questions about your business to sit down and think about before you update your ERP software
• And specifics on the seven sequential steps you need to follow in order to arrive at the best ERP choice for your organization's needs.