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title: 7 Essential Steps to Run a Successful ERP RFP
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# 7 Essential Steps to Run a Successful ERP RFP 

Last Reviewed: May 15, 2026 17 min read [2 comments](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-rfp-template-guide/#comments) 

[ ![Riya Jamble](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-Riya-Headshot_Meet-the-Team-96x96.jpg) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/riya-jamble/) [Written by Riya Jamble](https://www.selecthub.com/author/riya-jamble/) 

Technical Content Writer 

[ ![Zachary Totah](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Zac-96x96.jpg) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/zachary-totah/) [Edited by Zachary Totah](https://www.selecthub.com/author/zachary-totah/) 

Content Manager & Editor 

[ ![Sandesh Sindiri](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-Sandesh-Sindiri-96x96.jpg) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/sandesh-sindiri/) [Contributions by Sandesh Sindiri](https://www.selecthub.com/author/sandesh-sindiri/) 

Expert Contributor 

Table of Contents

Explore the ERP Hub

What's your top priority today?

* [Learn](#)  
  * [What is ERP?](https://www.selecthub.com/category/enterprise-resource-planning/)
  * [Benefits of ERP](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/why-erp-systems-are-important/)
  * [SaaS vs. Traditional ERP](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/whats-the-difference-between-traditional-and-saas-erp/)
  * [Hybrid ERP](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/adopt-hybrid-erp/)
  * [ERP vs MRP](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/mrp-and-erp-differences-between-systems/)
  * [ERP vs CRM](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/difference-between-erp-and-crm/)
  * [ERP Features](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-capabilities-list/)
  * [ERP System Examples](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-examples-features-platforms/)
* [Plan](#)  
  * [ERP Software Selection 101](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-selection-criteria-checklist/)
  * [ERP Justification](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-justification/)
  * [ERP Evaluation](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/key-erp-evaluation-and-functionality-criteria/)
  * [ERP Requirements](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-requirements-checklist-cheat-sheet/)
  * [ERP Cost](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-cost/)

  * ERP RFP Guide
    * [Step 1: Start With Discovery](#Step%5F1%5FStart%5FWith%5FDiscovery)
    * [Step 2: Define Your Requirements](#Step%5F2%5FDefine%5FYour%5FRequirements)
    * [Step 3: Build Vendor Shortlist](#Step%5F3%5FBuild%5FVendor%5FShortlist)
    * [Step 4: Launch the RFP](#Step%5F4%5FLaunch%5Fthe%5FRFP)
    * [Step 5: Review RFP Responses](#Step%5F5%5FReview%5FRFP%5FResponses)
    * [Step 6: Validate Vendor Claims](#Step%5F6%5FValidate%5FVendor%5FClaims)
    * [Step 7: Evaluate Total Value](#Step%5F7%5FEvaluate%5FTotal%5FValue)
    * [Why Do You Need an ERP RFP?](#Why%5FDo%5FYou%5FNeed%5Fan%5FERP%5FRFP)
    * [Simplify Your ERP Selection Process With SelectHub](#Simplify%5FYour%5FERP%5FSelection%5FProcess%5FWith%5FSelectHub)
* [Compare](#)  
  * [Best ERP Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/erp-software/)
  * [Best Free ERP](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/free-erp-software/)
  * [Best ERPs for SMBs](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-for-smb/)
  * [Best Open-Source ERPs](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/pros-cons-open-source-erp-software/)
  * [Best Production Planning Software](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/features-requirements-production-planning-software/)
  * [ERP Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-alternatives/)
  * [NetSuite Competitors](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/netsuite-competitors-alternatives/)
  * [SAP vs. Oracle](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/oracle-erp-and-sap-erp/)
  * [Salesforce vs. SAP](https://www.selecthub.com/customer-relationship-management/salesforce-and-sap/)
  * [Epicor vs SAP vs Infor ERP](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/epicor-and-sap-and-infor-erp-comparison/)
  * [Epicor vs NetSuite](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/epicor-and-netsuite/)
  * [ERP Demo Best Practices](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-software-demo-best-practices/)
* [Launch](#)  
  * [ERP Implementation](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/whats-best-way-implement-erp/)
  * [ERP Integration](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/best-erp-software-integrations/)
  * [ERP Success Stories](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-case-study/)

Right now, it probably feels like the weight of your company’s next ERP decision is sitting squarely on your shoulders. Finance wants one thing, operations another, IT has its own list — and you’re the one who has to turn it all into a clear, defensible plan. One that wins buy-in, keeps the project moving and doesn’t blow up in six months.

We’ve seen the pressure, the second-guessing and the fear of missing a critical detail. And after helping clients run more than 1,850 RFPs, we know what works.

In this guide, I’ll share our 7-step ERP RFP process that will help you align your team, keep vendors honest and choose an ERP that actually delivers.

**How do you know if you need an ERP RFP?**

In our experience, small companies rolling out a basic ERP for a single function like accounting or inventory management and with only 1-3 people making the decision, often find that an RFP slows things down. In these cases, speed matters more than running a formal process. Our [Express Scorecard](https://pmo.selecthub.com/top-erp-software-site-vers/) is a good alternative to quickly compare options and make a data-backed decision.

However, if you’re a midsized or large organization, or your ERP project impacts multiple departments, nothing beats a well-run RFP to align priorities, compare vendors on equal terms and ensure your chosen system delivers long-term value.

![ERP RFP Process]()

[Build Comprehensive Requirements with the Decision Platform](https://www.selecthub.com/decision-platform/)

## Step 1: Start With Discovery

Are you already comparing [ERP features](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-capabilities-list/)? That’s where most teams start. But without a solid grasp of what problems you’re trying to solve or how ready your business is for change, those comparisons won’t get you far.

That’s why the first step isn’t about features at all — it’s about discovery. This is where you confirm your ERP project is not just desirable, but viable. It also lays the foundation for your [RFP](https://www.selecthub.com/resources/rfp/).

Done right, this stage gives you:

* A business case that leadership will actually sign off on.
* Stakeholder buy-in before anyone starts debating modules.
* A clear map of what you’re fixing — and whether ERP is truly the right choice.

Start this phase by identifying key stakeholders:

* **End users** to share where production slows down, inventory goes out of sync or scheduling requires constant manual fixes.
* **Finance leaders** to pressure-test the investment, ensuring the cost of change is justified and future ROI is clearly defined.
* **IT decision-makers** to assess system readiness — from data quality and infrastructure to integration risks you can’t afford to miss.
* **Procurement** to manage vendor evaluations, contracts and compliance with purchasing policies.
* **Executive sponsor** to tie the ERP project to broader business priorities and ensure you have top-level support before asking others to commit.

Once your team is in place, here’s how to make this stage count:

* **Appoint a project lead:** Someone needs to steer the ship. Choose a project lead who understands the business and can coordinate across teams, and make sure they have time to own it. This can’t be a side project.
* **Quantify your problems:** Don’t just list pain points, back them up. If your production team says manual scheduling is a mess, find out how many jobs get pushed each week and what that’s costing in overtime.
* **Gauge ERP readiness:** Can your team handle the shift in workflows and data entry? Are roles, approvals and processes clearly defined so you can map them to the new system? Can your current systems integrate cleanly, or will you need extra development? The clearer you are now, the fewer surprises you’ll face during rollout.
* **Explore indicative pricing:** You don’t need quotes yet, but get a sense of whether the investment level is feasible. If the ballpark numbers already exceed what leadership is willing to spend, you’ll know before you sink time into full vendor evaluations.
* **Factor in implementation costs early:** It’s not just about the license — moving data, connecting systems and training people often drive the biggest expenses. Include these factors in your budget upfront to keep expectations realistic.

After the discovery work, you might find the problems aren’t as big as you thought. In that case, fine-tuning your current system may be smarter than forcing a full replacement. A strong discovery process gives you the evidence to make — and defend — that call with your executives.

**Expert Tip** Don’t fall into the “if it works for them, it’ll work for us” trap. We’ve seen companies choose an ERP because a peer swears by it, only to realize later that their needs, processes and integrations are completely different. Your RFP should be built on your reality, not someone else’s.

## Step 2: Define Your Requirements

Now that you know this ERP project is worth pursuing, it’s time to nail down exactly what it needs to do for you. This isn’t about making a long features wish list — it’s about capturing the real problems you want solved and the results you expect to see.

Start with the stakeholder pain points you uncovered in Step 1 to guide the conversation with each team:

* **Production:** If jobs get pushed every week, ask what would prevent it: Live production dashboards? Automated rescheduling when a machine goes down?
* **Finance:** If closing the books takes 15 days, do they need automated reconciliations? Consolidated reporting across subsidiaries?
* **Warehouse:** If stock counts never match, would real-time bin tracking or barcode scanning fix it?

From there, you’re ready to pull your list together. Here’s what we recommend:

* **Describe real scenarios:** Don’t just write “production scheduling” on a list. Turn the situation into a concrete statement: “We need to automatically reschedule jobs when raw material deliveries are late.” This gives vendors the context to show how their solution fits.
* **Prioritize what matters most:** Take that big wishlist from every department and start ranking. Look at which fixes will make the biggest difference right now and sort them into must-haves and nice-to-haves. For example, if production delays are costing you overtime, advanced scheduling might be a must-have.
* **Get leadership sign-off:** Share your ranked list with executives so everyone agrees on priorities before you start talking to vendors.

If you haven’t already read my guide to [ERP requirements](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-requirements-checklist-cheat-sheet/), I’d highly recommend it. Our research team has outlined the core capabilities you’ll want to consider, plus there’s a free requirements template to help you save time, zero in on what matters most and avoid overlooking something that could cost you later.

![SelectHub Platform ERP RFP Requirements]()

A sample of ERP software requirements in the SelectHub Decision Platform.

**Expert Tip** Keep vendors out of the requirements-setting process. Their “help” often means steering the list toward what their product already does well — and away from needs they can’t fully support. The strongest requirements come from your team’s priorities, not a preloaded vendor template.

[Build Comprehensive Requirements with the Decision Platform](https://www.selecthub.com/decision-platform/)

## Step 3: Build Vendor Shortlist

You’ve got your requirements ranked and agreed on — now the question is: Which product actually delivers them?

This is where some teams waste weeks chasing every vendor that looks good in a Google search. That’s a shortcut to sitting through demos for products that aren’t a good fit.

Here’s how to make your research count:

* **Score vendors against your requirements.** Use an objective scoring system so every vendor is measured the same way. For example, if automated production scheduling is critical, a vendor that requires a third-party app should score lower than one with it built in.
* **Dig into how products meet your requirements.** Some vendors will technically support a feature, but only through extra modules, heavy customization or manual workarounds. That’s added cost and complexity you might not want if another vendor offers the same capability out of the box.

You can make this whole process faster and more collaborative using our [selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/decision-platform/). You and your team can input weighted requirements, then see side-by-side scores showing where each product delivers — and where it falls short — without building comparison sheets from scratch.

![SelectHub Platform ERP RFP Scorecard Full]()

A side-by-side comparison of ERP vendors in the SelectHub Decision Platform.

**Expert Tip** Keep your shortlist small enough to manage. We recommend five vendors — enough to give you variety and buffer if one or two drop out, but not so many that the process becomes unmanageable. The aim is to end up with two or three strong contenders by the time you move into detailed evaluations.

## Step 4: Launch the RFP

Your shortlist is set, and you know exactly which vendors deserve a closer look. Now it’s time to send the RFP and see how they stack up against your requirements.

The goal is to give vendors the same playbook — the same requirements, pricing format and technical details — so their proposals are easy to compare. At the same time, your RFP needs enough flexibility to handle clarifications or updates without forcing you to restart the process. Without this balance, you’ll end up with mismatched proposals, missed information and evaluation delays.

You can run this step manually or through an RFP platform. If you’re going manual, here’s how to keep the process on track.

* **Anchor your timelines:** Let vendors know exactly when to submit questions, when answers will be shared and when proposals are due. If a date changes, update everyone at the same time.
* **Give clear instructions:** Specify exactly what you expect in a vendor’s response — a project overview, your must-have features, any compliance or industry-specific needs, and how you want pricing broken down.
* **Share your technical environment:** Your RFP should include your current ERP (version/modules), key integrations (CRM, MES, WMS, payroll), hosting preferences (cloud/on-prem), compliance needs ([SOX](https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/sox-compliance), [GDPR](https://gdpr.eu/compliance-checklist-us-companies/), FDA), and API or customization standards. This helps vendors tailor their responses instead of guessing.
* **Plan Q&A sessions:** Give vendors a chance to clarify any questions while the RFP is open with live Q&A calls. We’ve found that it’s most effective if you have the same group attend each session so the answers are consistent.
* **Set equal terms for all vendors:** If one vendor asks for an extension — say, their ERP solution architect is on a PTO — extend it for everyone so the process stays fair.

Here’s an RFP for ERP software in practice from the City of Gilroy. It’s a strong example of clarity and structure. Their RFP clearly lays out purpose, objectives and requirements and presents scope, response format and submission instructions in a well-organized package.

Running an ERP RFP manually means you control every step. But it also means juggling different proposal formats, chasing missing details and keeping track of multiple document versions — all of which can slow you down.

With our selection platform, you set the structure once, share Q&A automatically, track every vendor’s progress and get side-by-side comparisons without touching a spreadsheet. Our clients have found it cuts their RFP process time by up to 50%.

![SelectHub Platform ERP RFP Overview]()

ERP RFP overview in the SelectHub Decision Platform.

[Automate RFP Creation with the Decision Platform](https://www.selecthub.com/decision-platform/)

**Expert Tip** If you’re handling the RFP manually, break it into smaller, focused documents instead of one giant file. For example, keep process maps, SLAs or compliance checklists separate from your requirements list. That way, when changes inevitably pop up, you can update just the affected file and push it to vendors instantly.

## Step 5: Review RFP Responses

The proposals are here. Now it’s time to separate solid ones from clever sales copy. You’re not just reading responses — you’re verifying every claim so you can make decisions based on facts, not fluff.

Here’s how to turn a stack of ERP proposals into usable, comparable data:

* **Go beyond the “Yes”:** If a vendor answers “Yes, we support multi-entity accounting” without explaining how, that’s not enough. You want the details — does it handle consolidations automatically? Can it manage different currencies in real time? Will you get intercompany reporting without a mess of manual work? If they can’t explain it clearly, put it on a follow-up list.
* **Watch for off-track answers:** For example, you ask about automated rescheduling when supplier shipments are late but the vendor talks about drag-and-drop scheduling boards. That’s not the same thing and it could mean they misunderstood or simply don’t have the feature.
* **Standardize terminology:** ERP vendors describe the same thing in different ways. Translate their terms into your requirement language so “distributed stock control” and “multi-warehouse inventory” get scored against the same criteria.

Validating ERP responses by hand is time consuming. You have to comb through every claim, cross-check against your requirements, format answers into a consistent framework and follow up for proof.

That’s where our platform gives you an edge. You can benchmark vendor claims against verified data, instantly flag inconsistencies and compare responses side by side without juggling spreadsheets. If a vendor claims native accounting integration but our data shows it’s part of an add-on module that costs extra, you’ll know before it becomes a costly surprise.

![SelectHub Platform ERP RFP Scorecard]()

An ERP vendor scorecard in the SelectHub Decision Platform.

**Expert Tip** Keep a running list of unclear, incomplete or contradictory answers. In the next step, you’ll go back to the vendors for clarification. Documenting it all now will save you a ton of back-and-forth.

## Step 6: Validate Vendor Claims

Step 5 told you what vendors say they can do. Now it’s time to see if they can actually pull it off.

This is where you take control of the demo process. Instead of sitting through a generic vendor presentation, you’ll hand them a list of [proof-of-concept (POC)](https://asana.com/resources/proof-of-concept) scenarios — real tasks from your business — and watch how the product can address each one.

The goal is simple: confirm the ERP can deliver on its promises or find out now if it can’t.

Here’s how you can put every claim to the test:

* **Structure your demo scripts around real scenarios:** If a vendor says they support multi-location inventory, ask them to show you: Receive 500 units into Warehouse A, transfer half to Warehouse B then fulfill a customer order from both locations. Real tasks reveal where the system delivers and where it struggles.
* **Invite only your top 2-3 vendors for these sessions:** In our experience, ERP POCs often run for several days, especially if you’re testing core modules like finance, supply chain and manufacturing. Give each vendor enough time to walk through every workflow in detail.
* **Score as you go:** Use a structured technical scorecard to rate how each vendor performs against your requirements. If you use our platform, all updates, vendor responses and capability scores are logged, creating an audit trail. If a vendor later claims, “We never promised that,” you have a documented record of exactly what was shown.

![SelectHub Platform ERP RFP Vendor Responses]()

Detailed vendor responses in the SelectHub Decision Platform.

But is this process worth doing if you didn’t find any major discrepancies in Step 5? Absolutely. We always recommend running a technical validation, even when vendor responses look spotless.

If you finished Step 5 without a single follow-up question, that’s actually a sign you might not have pressed hard enough. And beyond catching potential oversights, it’s simply smart to see the ERP in action, especially for high-priority requirements that could make or break your rollout.

**Expert Tip** “It’s important to identify your unique workflows or customizations and include those in the demo script so vendors can demonstrate how the software supports scenarios specific to your business.” – Sandesh Sindiri, Head of Research at SelectHub.

[Automate RFP Creation with the Decision Platform](https://www.selecthub.com/decision-platform/)

## Step 7: Evaluate Total Value

You’ve just confirmed in Step 6 which ERPs can actually deliver. Now comes the part that can trip up even the most prepared teams: figuring out which one is worth the investment.

You can run this step alongside technical validation or after — timing depends on your internal process.

[ERP pricing](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-cost/) is all over the place. When I asked Sandesh Sindhri, our Head of Research, how vendors usually structure their pricing, here’s what he said:

![Sandesh Sindhri]()

Providers typically include basic reporting in their core modules, but advanced analytics is often sold separately. Finance and manufacturing are almost always priced separately, though some companies bundle a few modules together and offer discounts.

Sandesh Sindhri

Head of Research, SelectHub

There’s a lot of nuance, and decoding ERP costs is part art and part science. That said, here are our top tips to make sure your comparison is accurate and objective:

* **Normalize the numbers:** The best way to do this is by focusing on your requirements from Step 2\. Use that list to match against how each vendor packages those features into modules. This helps you compare costs on an even footing and see which vendors actually cover your must-haves.
* **Look at value, not just price:** For example, Vendor A might cost 15% more up front, but they include manufacturing execution and advanced reporting in the base package. Vendor B charges extra for those, which means once you add them in, their “cheaper” system ends up costing more.
* **Hunt down hidden ERP costs:** Ask about charges for custom workflows, API calls, storage or future module expansions. Venkat Devraj, our CEO, explained that a common situation is that the default reporting falls short in real use, pushing companies to pay for a third-party reporting tool to use on top of the ERP.

Here’s an example that illustrates vendor coverage side by side to show what you’re actually paying to get your must-have features:

|                     | Vendor A              | Vendor B                                | Vendor C                                                    |
| ------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Must-Have Feature 1 | Supported in module A | Supported in module A                   | Supported in module A                                       |
| Must-Have Feature 2 | Supported in module A | Supported in module B                   | Supported in module B                                       |
| Must-Have Feature 3 | Supported in module A | Supported in module B                   | Supported in module C                                       |
| Module Cost         | A – $55/mo per user   | A – $30/mo per user B – $30/mo per user | A – $30/mo per user B – $25/mo per user C – $20/mo per user |
| Total               | $55/mo                | 30 + 30 = $60/mo                        | 30 + 25 + 20 = $75/mo                                       |

By the end of this step, you’ll know which ERP offers the best long-term value — not just the lowest number on a proposal. This gives leadership a clear picture of ROI and prevents the “we didn’t budget for that” surprises after go-live.

To get a sense of how popular vendors price their products and services, check out our

**Price Guide.**

**Expert Tip** Given the complexity of ERP software and pricing, being detailed is critical. Working with a consulting firm like ours gives you access to pricing intelligence you can’t get on your own. We can benchmark your quotes against what similar-sized companies are paying and help identify if you’re missing potential discounts or getting fair market rates.

## Why Do You Need an ERP RFP?

Short answer: because with an ERP there’s no “perfect” product — there’s only the product that fits your priorities. An RFP is how you make that fit real instead of hoped for. Here’s what an RFP actually does — and why we encourage buyers to run one:

* **Get everyone on the same page:** Finance, operations, IT, procurement, legal and end users all have different priorities. An RFP forces those priorities into the open so you can agree on what matters most before you even talk to vendors.
* **Remove vendor spin from the equation:** Discovery sessions and requirement gathering happen without a product demo influencing the conversation, so you get an unbiased view of what your business actually needs.
* **Improve your odds of success:** In our experience, projects with a solid RFP process have a success rate of 90%. Skip it, and the odds flip — more than 60% fail to deliver the expected ROI.

[Automate RFP Creation with the Decision Platform](https://www.selecthub.com/decision-platform/)

## Simplify Your ERP Selection Process With SelectHub

An ERP project is a major undertaking, but you don’t have to go it alone or start from a blank page. We’ve mapped out the process and our platform puts that roadmap in your hands from day one.

We’ll help you gather input from every stakeholder, run RFPs, put vendor claims to the test and benchmark pricing — all in one place — so you can make the right call with confidence and reduce the risk of failed adoption or low ROI.

[Get expert help with your ERP selection](https://www.selecthub.com/managed-selection-services/)

[ Previous ERP Cost ](https://www.selecthub.com/enterprise-resource-planning/erp-cost/) 

[ Next Best ERP Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/erp-software/) 

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Originally published in October 2018 and last updated in May 2026\. Contributions from Riya Jamble, Zachary Totah, and Sandesh Sindiri. 

## About the Contributors

The following SelectHub team members and subject matter experts helped research, create, and review this content. 

[ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/riya-jamble/) 

Written by  
[Riya Jamble](https://www.selecthub.com/author/riya-jamble/) 

Technical Content Writer

Riya is a Technical Content Writer at SelectHub. She writes content for our construction scheduling and bidding, CMMS and medical billing categories. She's also a part of the social media team where she crafts posts that engage and resonate with our audience. Riya holds a Graduate Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India. Fueled by a love for black coffee, her day begins and ends with its energizing ritual. Riya enjoys a variety of TV series, including Friends, Suits, American Horror Story, and How to Get Away with Murder. During her free time, you'll find her reading or spending time with her close ones. She believes in magic and is waiting for that day when reality compromises and fairytale swirls around with a smile.

[See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/riya-jamble/)

[ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/zachary-totah/) 

Edited by  
[Zachary Totah](https://www.selecthub.com/author/zachary-totah/) 

Content Manager & Editor

As SelectHub's Content Manager, Zac is in charge of content across diverse categories including CRM, ERP, HR, medical and project management. He has over 6 years of experience writing and editing for B2B tech and holds a B.A. in communications. His work is driven by his goal of making it less overwhelming for people to find software for their business.

[See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/zachary-totah/)

[ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/sandesh-sindiri/) 

Contributions by  
[Sandesh Sindiri](https://www.selecthub.com/author/sandesh-sindiri/) 

Expert Contributor

In his role as Senior Director of Software Solutions and Technology Research, Sandesh oversees an in-house team of analysts, guiding them in conducting complex research analyses across various software categories while establishing best practices and methodologies. Sandesh is also SelectHub's Head of Software Selection and Procurement Services. In this capacity, he leads a team of analysts in providing end-to-end solutions for clients, from collating requirements and developing architecture to conducting total cost of ownership analysis and negotiating contracts.

[See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/sandesh-sindiri/)

Khaleel HayesSAP vs. Oracle: Which ERP Software is the Winner in 2026?

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###  Conversation (2) 

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#### **eresource erp**  \- May 10, 2024  
Thanks for demystifying the ERP RFP process with such clarity. The template is a lifesaver for those of us navigating this complex terrain.

**[Reply](#comment-192956)**
* ![Avatar photo](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7bcc3930b72d8166def0fd7d991c1aef17bbfb612cc7b003939e28886b391da6?s=96&d=mm&r=g)  
#### **steve case**  \- April 27, 2018  
Looking to purchase RFP (E-Procurement) system

**[Reply](#comment-8880)**

Compare 

**Tier 1:**  
Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment.  
Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. 

**Tier 2:**  
Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs.  
Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. 

**Tier 3:**  
Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost.  
Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 

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