A step-by-step checklist for Indian MSMEs choosing ERP or business-management software: scope, compliance, pricing, data, contract and go-live.
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Work through the list in order: scope first, prices second, contract last. Each item is a question to put to every shortlisted vendor or implementation partner, ideally with a demo on your own data rather than a standard script.
How to use it. Tick an item only when you have evidence: a written answer, a contract clause, or a test you watched. Items you cannot tick are risks to price into your comparison or to negotiate before signing. Keep the completed list with your quotes so that the people who approve the purchase can see why you chose the system.
Worked example. A distributor with two warehouses and two GSTINs shortlists three systems. Two can generate e-invoices and e-way bills directly; the third needs a paid connector, which is added to its TCO. Only one contract caps renewal increases, so the other two are asked to add a cap before the final decision.
Limits. The checklist is general. Regulated sectors (pharma, food, NBFCs, exporters in SEZs) have extra requirements, and legal or tax questions should go to your CA, company secretary or lawyer. See the ERP requirements checklist guide and the SaaS contract guide.
Failed Projects, Contracts and Official Sources
How Rule 3(1) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules applies to ERP since 1 April 2023, what the auditor reports under Rule 11(g), daily back-ups in India and what to test.
Failed Projects, Contracts and Official Sources
What the DPDP Act 2023 and phased DPDP Rules 2025, CERT-In's 6-hour incident reporting and RBI payment data rules mean for choosing and running an ERP.
ERP Pricing, Cost Drivers and 2026 Rules
What an ERP must do for e-invoicing via the IRP (₹5 crore AATO, 30-day limit for ₹10 crore+), e-way bills and GSTR-1/3B, how connections are priced and what to test.
TCO Worked Examples and Selection Checklists
How long ERP implementation takes for Indian MSMEs, phase by phase, what stretches timelines, and how to time go-live around GST returns and financial year-end.
Failed Projects, Contracts and Official Sources
The recurring patterns behind ERP overruns and disappointments, early warning signs, what each costs and how to prevent it, described generically without naming companies.
TCO Worked Examples and Selection Checklists
A practical ERP requirements and demo checklist for Indian MSMEs covering processes, GST, Companies Act, payroll, data, integrations, pricing and support.
