For manufacturing companies, implementing an ERP solution is a critical project that must be taken seriously. From concerns about cost and demonstrating ROI, to practical considerations about who will manage the process at your company, ERP implementation efforts require commitment by a project team and support by business leaders to ensure success.
There’s no getting around the fact that ERP deployment is a major undertaking, but the process doesn’t have to be painful. With proper planning and execution, implementing an ERP system should be a smooth process and quickly improve efficiency across your business. Here are some critical ERP implementations best practices to consider when selecting and deploying a solution.
Build confidence in your team
During any evaluation of ERP software, the implementation process will come up. For most business managers, installing an entire ERP system is uncharted territory. Help your teams prepare for discussions with vendors so that they can ask the right questions.
Don’t let the terms and jargon intimidate you. For smaller organisations, these steps can take days — not weeks or months. Most importantly during the implementation, remind your team that no one knows the business better than they do.
It is best practice to identify a dedicated project leader and a team for your ERP implementation will help ensure that the project goes smoothly. For ERP team members, consider reassigning or removing some of their normal job duties so they have enough time to concentrate on the task at hand. Identify a team leader with strong project management skills who can facilitate team communication, address any issues that may arise and keep the implementation on schedule.
Be flexible in the process
Having confidence in your knowledge of what the outcomes should be, will be best served if you remain flexible on how to achieve those outcomes. ERP systems often incorporate best practices that may not be the way you always did things. Be open to change that increases productivity – that is the benefit of ERP.
The basic components of an ERP implementation include:
- Requirements Analysis – define the business processes that support the operation of the business.
- Solution Design – align the functionality of the ERP software with the business requirements.
- Development and Configuration – define any customisations or addons in addition to the ERP system that are needed to support the business requirements.
- Deployment and Training – migrate data from the old system, test new processes and train employees how to use the new system.
- Operations – refine and improve the system over time. Most ERP systems offer more functionality than you will want to deploy initially but can be added over time.
Make the most of the opportunities that the connected world offers. Move to an ERP system to help your business grow.
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