Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation can be pretty stressful as it requires time, effort and careful planning. For companies implementing it for the first time, the transition can be a lot challenging. Adapting to a new system and understanding how to use it correctly is not something you can do overnight. Along with the technology that your company will use, ERP software will also change the culture of your entire workplace.
Fortunately, investing in ERP software can be extremely beneficial if implemented correctly. For starters, it can help you synchronise all data and streamline all essential business operations. With ERP systems, companies can greatly improve communication and enhance collaboration within your business.
With the advent of choices in terms of ERP systems and ERP software vendors, the opportunity to improve your company’s efficiency and productivity has never been this possible. However, the large pool of options also comes with bigger chances for catastrophic events to happen.
What is ERP Implementation?
ERP implementation can be considered as one of the biggest investments any organisation could ever make. It involves time, budget and other resources necessary for observing current business processes, strategic planning, installing and testing the software, moving all your data into the new system, configuring processes, training new users, going live and maintaining support.
The implementation of ERP software is not a one-time event but rather a continuous process that needs to be regularly monitored and maintained. This will help ensure the proper flow of data into various departments, allowing you to successfully introduce a new ERP system into your company.
Tips and Tricks for a Successful ERP Implementation
The key to avoiding these mistakes is proper preparation. Building a sound implementation plan is the best way to successfully integrate ERP into your current business infrastructure. Here’s a list of essential steps you might need to consider for a successful ERP implementation.
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Determine your goals
Before the actual ERP implementation, it is necessary to determine your goals and your company’s needs first. While you may have an idea as to how an ERP system can benefit your business, you might be clueless as to what goals it can actually help you achieve.
To make things a lot easier, identifying your goals and objectives can be your best bet. By doing so, you can easily understand why it is essential to implement ERP and how this new system can help you achieve your company’s goals. Analysing your KPIs, for instance, can also help identify the problems you’re planning to address by implementing ERP software.
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Select a reliable project manager
ERP implementation can take a lot of your time and energy. As such, asking for a professional’s help can be a great idea. Hiring a capable project manager, for instance, can make a few things a lot less tiring. A professional project manager can help simplify the implementation process, while also ensuring that you fully understand the use of an ERP system and the changes it could bring to your organisation.
You can opt to choose an internal employee that has excellent communication and management skills or hire a professional project manager with years of expertise and proven ability to execute organisational projects.
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Choose the right ERP vendor and implementation partner
There are plenty of software vendors and implementation partners that offer different ERP systems for different types of organisations. The only thing you need to do is to find the right software that matches your company’s requirements. Create an analysis that defines your company’s needs and find the right vendor based on their capability to meet those requirements. After all, nobody wants to go through the entire implementation process only to find out that the system doesn’t actually fit your needs. When finding the right implementation partner, make sure to look for the list of references as well as their proven engagements.
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Conduct accurate data migration
Data migration is one of the most essential steps in ERP implementation. If done accurately, data migration can help streamline business operations. To ensure that unnecessary files won’t be migrated into the new system, make sure to filter out everything before converting all your data. To make the most out of your ERP software, make sure to transfer only those that are necessary.