---
title: "How to choose an eQMS: 12 questions to ask | FactoryQA"
description: Twelve questions to ask before you buy an eQMS, covering manufacturing fit, adoption, ERP integration, data export, AI approvals and the real cost per seat.
image: https://factoryqa.com/hubfs/fqa-og-res-how-to-choose-an-eqms.png
---

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Guide

# How to choose an eQMS: 12 questions to ask

Twelve questions to ask before you buy an eQMS, covering manufacturing fit, adoption, ERP integration, data export, AI approvals and the real cost per seat.

FactoryQA quality teamOctober 25, 2026

Most quality teams that buy an eQMS are replacing spreadsheets, binders or an older system nobody likes. The risk is buying something powerful that nobody uses. These twelve questions help you tell the difference during a demo or trial.

## Fit

1. **Is it built for manufacturing?** Many eQMS products started in life sciences document control. Manufacturers need inspection, SPC, calibration, PFMEA and supplier quality, not only documents and CAPA.
2. **Does it cover your standard?** Ask how it maps to AS9100, IATF 16949, ISO 9001 or ISO 13485, and whether it shows your readiness by clause.
3. **Are the modules connected?** An NCR should link to the part, the supplier, the inspection result and the corrective action. Separate modules that do not share records recreate the spreadsheet problem.

## Adoption

1. **Can an operator use it without training?** Ask to log an NCR or record an inspection yourself during the demo.
2. **How long does setup take?** Weeks, not months, for a small team. Ask what the vendor does and what you do.
3. **Can you bring your records?** Ask about import templates for your NCR log, gage list and training records, and whether a bad import can be undone.

## Integration and data

1. **Does it connect to your ERP?** Ask whether there is a ready-made connector for your ERP or how others are handled.
2. **Can suppliers take part?** A portal where suppliers answer SCARs without an account removes a lot of email.
3. **Can you get your data out?** Export should be available on every plan, including after a downgrade.

## AI and cost

1. **What does the AI do, and who approves it?** Useful AI drafts PFMEAs, procedures and inspection plans. Ask what data it can see, whether a person approves every change, and whether it can be turned off.
2. **What does it really cost?** Count every seat. Cheap read-only seats for people who only view make a big difference on the shop floor.
3. **Can you try it on real work?** A free plan or a trial with full features lets you run one real process before you commit.

FactoryQA answers these on its own pages: [13 connected modules](https://factoryqa.com/feature-overview), [ERP connectors](https://factoryqa.com/integrations), [AI that a person approves](https://factoryqa.com/ai-powered-quality-management), and [a free plan, $5 read-only seats and 14 days of Pro](https://factoryqa.com/pricing).

Keep reading

## More from Resources

[Supplier quality**Counterfeit parts prevention for manufacturers**What AS9100D clause 8.1.4 asks for on counterfeit parts, and the sourcing, receiving, quarantine and training controls that keep suspect parts out.](https://factoryqa.com/resources/counterfeit-parts-prevention)[Supplier quality**Controlling outsourced special processes**How to control outsourced special processes such as heat treat, plating, welding and NDT: qualified sources, complete orders, evidence and supplier audits.](https://factoryqa.com/resources/controlling-special-processes)[Supplier quality**Supplier PPAP: how to request, review and approve**When to request a supplier PPAP, how to choose the submission level, what to check in each element, and the most common reasons PPAPs get rejected.](https://factoryqa.com/resources/supplier-ppap-guide)

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Services[Get Certified](https://factoryqa.com/certification-services)[Certification Workshops](https://factoryqa.com/certification-cohorts)[QMS Consulting](https://factoryqa.com/qms-consulting)[Supplier Quality Services](https://factoryqa.com/supplier-quality-services)

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