As-Is refers to the current state of your ERP solution (if you have one) or how you do things without one if you don't.

To-Be refers to where you want to get to with your new ERP system or the future state solution you are aiming for.

In some organizations, the To-Be is encapsulated within a Target Operating Model or TOM.

It's normally a good idea to have a clearly documented idea of your current state as much of it you may want to carry forward into the future.

But equally it is vital to have a clear idea of your anticipated future state as this is what you are aiming for to ensure that your new ERP solution achieves your business objectives.

Clearly if you start off your selection with minimal idea of either state then you are starting off on the wrong foot. Many businesses forget that before you start shortlisting vendors and looking at demos you need to do a lot of up-front work to define your as-is and to-be scenarios.

Selection 5