ERP Director Markas Zbarskis commented that the poll showed over 55% of top managers would make significant changes in their systems, if they had to do it again – "Some managers would set different functional requirements, since the selected systems only partially met their expectations; others would choose simpler systems, since the complex solutions that they implemented were not cost-effective, since a great deal of their functionality remains unused."

Almost all individuals who responded being dissatisfied with their current solution stated that if they had a chance to do the BMS project again, they would spend more time and resources on receiving quality consulting support.  A common response was that quality consulting services are very important, since only experts working closely together with the organisation's management can accurately perform a needs analysis and help select the optimal system.

36% of the managers polled said they would make minor changes if they had a chance to implement the BMS again, 5% stated they were satisfied and would not change anything, while 4% said that, given the choice today, they would not implement such a project again.

The poll covered several dozen top managers of companies that recently implemented business management systems, and, had been using those systems for at least 6 months.

"The results of the poll were not very surprising, since they mirrored the results of similar polls conducted in other Central and Eastern European countries.  Business Management Systems are a new concept for many people in the region, so they naturally lack knowledge and experience that would allow them to make the right choice on their own." – said Mr. Zbarskis.

The ERP Director also mentioned that latest survey results show that this type of situation only recently changed for the better in Western European countries – "The first way of these type of technologies is past for those countries.  Many organisations have already built sufficient experience, and those who haven't have the luxury of learning from the mistakes of others. They now rely on consulting firms to help them make accurate needs analyses and select the right system."

The selection of Business Management Systems in Lithuania is made more difficult by the fact that the majority of firms involved in BMS consulting and implementation services are associated with one or another particular software developer.

"Naturally, such a company will limit the choices it gives to its clients and will show only the advantages of one or two products, while highlighting only the disadvantages of others" – said Mr. Zbarskis.

ERP felt running such an opinion poll was important, considering the results of similar polls in other countries; and to help show organisations why it is worth investing in consultations from firms who are able to offer impartial advice that is independent of one or another software developer.

The firm ERP specialises in the selection and implementation of business management systems and provision of consulting services.

"ERP is not associated with any one software developer and we work with the products of many global software firms.  Recommendations on which solution would be best for an organisation are made only after a detailed analysis of the organisation's needs.  Experience shows that these types of consulting services help organisations save both time and money" – commented Mr. Zbarskis.

He further commented that only an accurate needs analysis and detailed planning can help ensure that the implemented system will meet an organisation's needs and that that system will not need immediate modifications or upgrades.