Selection and procurement of an ERP platform for a more efficient and future-ready business

Alfa Sko is a long-established Norwegian footwear and lifestyle brand with ambitions for international growth, greater efficiency, and a more scalable, digital business model. The company operates in a complex environment with both B2B and D2C sales and depends on well-functioning, well-supported processes in finance, logistics, procurement, and sales.

As part of its continuous improvement efforts, Alfa Sko assessed its existing ERP solution against future needs and strategic goals. To ensure a robust and future-ready ERP platform that could support both continued growth and more efficient ways of working, Alfa Sko saw a need to evaluate alternative ERP solutions in the market. 

Knowit led the process from needs analysis and recommendation to ERP selection and contract signing with the implementation partner.

Phase 1: Process mapping, needs analysis, and ERP recommendation

In the first phase, Knowit conducted interviews and workshops across the organization to establish a comprehensive understanding of Alfa Sko’s business processes, challenges, and strategic ambitions. Existing workflows were structured and visualized, while desired future process requirements and ERP specifications were defined.

At the same time, the application and integration landscape was mapped to identify strengths, weaknesses, and dependencies in the current infrastructure in relation to business needs. The relationship between business processes, systems, and strategic ambitions was mapped and used as the basis for the requirements for a new ERP system.

The analysis provided a solid foundation for evaluating relevant ERP systems against the need for functional support, strategic direction, and future development potential. The work resulted in a clear recommendation to replace the ERP system, as well as a shortlist of three ERP systems that best matched Alfa Sko’s needs and business strategy.

Phase 2: Procurement and selection of ERP system and implementation partner

During the procurement phase, Knowit led the RFP process, partner dialogues, solution demos, and negotiations in close collaboration with Alfa Sko. The RFP documentation was prepared and sent to relevant implementation partners, after which the responses were thoroughly analyzed and scored together with Alfa Sko to identify the best solution and partner.

Based on an overall assessment of functionality, solution architecture, total cost over a five-year period, and strategic fit, Knowit recommended one preferred ERP system along with an implementation partner with strong solution understanding, relevant industry expertise, and a structured delivery model.

Knowit acted as an independent advisor and led the negotiations until the contract was signed.

The project delivery gave Alfa Sko a solid and well-anchored basis for decision-making in a critical technology choice. Through a structured process from pre-analysis and procurement to the selection of an ERP system and implementation partner, Alfa Sko gained the best possible starting point for a successful implementation and benefits realization. 

“Choosing a new ERP system is an extensive process and a strategically important decision. The team from Knowit brought the structure we needed, and their delivery process gave us confidence throughout the project, as well as a solid basis for decision-making. They quickly understood our business, challenged us where necessary, and ensured that processes, technology, and strategy were assessed in context.

With Knowit as our advisor, we experienced a professional and efficient process from analysis to a finalized agreement with the selected vendor. Their independent approach and experience in ERP and sourcing made it significantly easier for us to make the right choices for the future”, says Atle Bjerkli, CEO Alfa Sko. 

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