ERP software implementations aren’t naturally destined for failure. The key lies in finding someone who can orchestrate the thousands of details that are intrinsic to a successful ERP implementations — and then harmonize them into the final result of a successful go-live.
This episode of The ERP Advisor features Joseph Malil as a special guest. Joe has a 20-year background in Information Technology, with experience with multiple ERP systems, including SAP, Infor, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Oracle NetSuite. His skill in managing projects has led to many successful ERP implementations.
When a company is considering a software update, they may decide to end the process before they have even begun. While the problems and mysteries of an ERP project may seem indecipherable, we have identified the most reliable and effective steps for ERP implementation success.
In this guide, you’ll find:
This guide will provide the answers — but first, we will examine some of the most common mysteries of ERP implementation.
The first major mystery of an ERP implementation is not having accurate data on where to begin and how to manage the process. But by following our guide, you can understand every step in an ERP implementation project and know exactly what to do and when. Having just a little bit of knowledge can make a large project less daunting.
Time is a crucial factor when planning for an ERP project. How much time will it take to train employees on the new system and processes? How long from step one until deployment? Inaccurately estimating the amount of time of a particular step in the process can cause a ripple effect until you are going over budget or not going live on time. Creating an ERP implementation plan will help you understand what steps are needed and how much time is required for each one.
Finding the right software and implementation partner is only half the battle, you also need to understand how to work with ERP system implementation vendors. Most important is communication. Never assume that a vendor knows every feature you need just because you have given them an overall view of the departments that will be using the new products. Also, it is vital that you find out from the very beginning of a project which parts of the implementation process will be handled by your vendor and which ones will be handled by your team. Many ERP implementation failures stem from assuming that a vendor is going to handle more of the process than they actually do.
Once you have a product and vendor selected, and have written a thorough implementation plan, it is easy to think that everything will run smoothly from that point. But to have a successful go-live, it’s important to set realistic expectations for your team and for your implementation partner. Remember that nearly every part of an ERP project can go beyond an initial estimate, including the budget and timeframes of each phase. Thinking realistically and planning for contingencies will help keep a project from getting into trouble.
Following our guide will help you to solve the ERP implementation mystery and alleviate any fears you have about the process. In it, you will learn what the key components are for an implementation, which will enable you to look realistically at your company’s time and resources for the project. You may then decide to take on the project yourself, or that it is more practical to get help.