1. Define Your Project Clearly

Before contacting freelancers, clearly define what you need.

A good project description should include:

• Which ERP system are you using?
• Which version are you using?
• Which modules are involved?
• What exactly needs to be implemented, customized, or fixed?
• Do you need development, configuration, migration, integration, or consulting?
• What is your expected timeline?
• Do you have an existing ERP implementation?
• Are there third-party systems that need to be integrated?

The more clearly you describe your requirements, the easier it is for the right experts to understand your project and send relevant proposals.

2. Look Beyond the Hourly Rate

The lowest hourly rate is not always the lowest project cost.

For ERP projects, experience with the right system, version, industry, and technical requirements can be more important than price alone.

When reviewing a freelancer, consider:

ERP Experience

Does the freelancer actually work with your ERP platform?

Relevant Projects

Have they worked on projects similar to yours?

Technical Skills

Do they have the development, integration, migration, or configuration skills you need?

Business Understanding

Can they understand your business process instead of only implementing technical instructions?

Communication

Do they communicate clearly and explain technical issues in a way your team can understand?

3. Review Their ERP Profile

Before hiring, review the freelancer's profile carefully.

Look for:

• ERP platforms they specialize in
• Years of relevant experience
• Previous ERP projects
• Technical skills
• Industry experience
• Languages
• Availability
• Hourly rate
• Reviews and completed projects
• Portfolio or examples of previous work

A strong profile should give you a clear idea of what the freelancer can actually do.

4. Ask the Right Questions

Before starting the project, have a short conversation with the freelancer.

Instead of only asking "Can you do this?", ask questions that help you understand how they would approach the project.

Questions you can ask:

1. Have you worked with this ERP before?

Which versions and modules have you worked with?

2. Have you completed a similar project?

Ask what the project involved and what their role was.

3. How would you approach my project?

A good expert should be able to explain the general approach before development starts.

4. What information do you need from us?

This helps identify whether the freelancer understands the project requirements.

5. What could be technically challenging about this project?

Their answer can reveal whether they have thought about the project beyond the initial requirements.

6. How would you handle testing and deployment?

7. How would you document the work?

8. What would you need from our team during the project?

9. How would you communicate progress and issues?

10. What would you consider the definition of "project completed"?

5. Discuss the Scope Before Starting

Before you start, make sure both sides have the same understanding of the project.

Agree on:

• Project scope
• Deliverables
• Milestones
• Timeline
• Budget
• Communication method
• Testing and acceptance criteria
• Documentation
• Post-delivery support, if required

For larger ERP projects, breaking the work into milestones can make the project easier to manage and review.

6. Choose Based on the Whole Picture

There is no single factor that determines whether a freelancer is right for your project.

Consider the complete picture:

Relevant ERP experience + Technical skills + Business understanding + Communication + Availability + Project fit + Budget

The goal is to find someone whose experience and working approach match your specific project requirements.