Just because you’re already using a vendor’s ERP system doesn’t
mean that their data warehouse package is going to be a quick add-on.
If you had to customize their ERP solution, you’ll also have to
customize their data warehouse package.

Remember, their data
warehouse package is an ERP-centric solution. First, how much of your
data is not from the ERP system? If it is a significant amount, you
will need to spend a lot of resources to extend their solution to
include these other data sources. Otherwise, you are merely
implementing another stovepipe, in this case centered on your ERP
system. The reality may be that the ERP vendor’s data warehouse package
may become yet another data source for your overall data integration
effort.

In addition, examine the toolset the ERP vendor uses
to implement their data warehousing package. Does it match you current
toolset? If not, there is a cost to integrate and maintain it, and also
to train your people. Does your ERP vendor understand your business
intelligence needs or mainly your operational reporting requirements?
If it’s only the latter, you have a lot of work to do. The ERP vendor’s
solution may be a part of your overall solution, but is not the
solution.