Why Free Online ERP Information Is Unreliable: Insights from Mark Engleman

At Engleman Associates, Inc. (EAI), we are resolved to deliver reliable ERP advisory services based on over 1,000 client projects since 1996. In our latest video from the ERP Now series, founder Mark Engleman addresses a critical issue for IT professionals and executives: the unreliability of free online information regarding complex ERP business applications.

In this short video, Mark explores the pitfalls of relying on online resources such as ranking lists, functionality representations, and license cost ranges. He explains that much of this "free advice" is designed not to inform but to generate leads. Developers of these resources often compile data to identify potential ERP buyers, subsequently selling this information to ERP companies and resellers. This practice, frequently supported by sponsored listings at the top of search results, undermines the credibility of even potentially useful online ERP research.

Mark highlights specific areas of concern, including the subjective nature of cost representations and the significant inaccuracies in functionality claims made by sellers or third parties. He notes that a skilled buyer can substantially reduce lifecycle costs, given ERP’s nature as intellectual property with minimal incremental release costs. For a deeper dive into functionality inaccuracies, EAI has published a white paper, accessible via the video description.

So, how can organizations obtain reliable ERP insights? Mark recommends focusing on relevant questions and objectives, followed by direct engagement with competent representatives from the seller. For additional resources, viewers can explore links in the video description, including other videos in our ERP Now series.

Watch the full video to gain actionable insights from Mark Engleman’s extensive experience.

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For more information, visit the links provided in the video description or contact Engleman Associates, Inc. to discuss your ERP needs with our expert team.

Free Online ERP Information

Why Free Online ERP Information Falls Short

At Engleman Associates, Inc. we’re committed to providing clear, actionable insights for organizations navigating the complex world of ERP systems. Our latest educational video, hosted by Mark Engleman, draws on over 1,000 ERP projects since 1996 to address a critical issue: the limitations and risks of relying on free online information about ERP systems.

Aimed at IT personnel and executives, this video examines why much of the readily available online content—such as ERP ratings, cost estimates, and functionality descriptions—is often superficial or misleading. Mark explains how these resources, frequently designed to generate sales leads rather than inform, can lead to flawed decision-making. Key points include:

  • Inaccurate Cost Representations: Simplified indicators like dollar signs fail to account for the significant cost variations driven by buyer expertise and negotiation.
  • Misleading Functionality Claims: Vendor-provided or third-party functionality descriptions are often unreliable, as outlined in our accompanying white paper.
  • A Better Approach: The video outlines a structured process for evaluating ERP systems, focusing on proven track records, defensible viability, and carefully selected business and technical differentiators.

We invite you to watch this concise video to learn how to approach ERP selection with confidence and avoid common pitfalls. View it below and explore related resources, including our white paper that provides details of the weaknesses of any functionality representations about ERP that is not directly and carefully gathered by the buyer of ERP.

Thanks for your interest and certainly call us with questions you may have.

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