Posted by Jim High
| Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation success can vary greatly from one company to another. This is often due to many misconceptions around what is necessary for a successful implementation to take place. Let’s take a look at some helpful tips that will get your business on the right track to an effective ERP implementation. |  |
1. Establish a set plan and target milestone goals
The majority of ERP implementation strategies fail because they do not have a sound plan to work off of. The most important thing for any implementation strategy is to create a plan that will be both effective and efficient. Map out the whole process from start to finish, thinking about every stage that the business is going to have to go through. Also, set milestone goals and timetables at which these goals should be achieved. As hiccups come up, the plan can be used as reference to get things back on track.
2. Involve everyone, especially the end users
The end users are often those that get left out in the cold when it comes to ERP implementation. They need to be incorporated early on in the process though for it to have a chance at success. These users should be able to give their input in terms of how the implementation will go and how it will impact them. Ultimately, it is going to be these users who have to execute on the ERP process itself. The more they are in the loop, the less surprises will come up on the back-end.
3. Do not attempt to be an expert if you are not
Many business owners will try to execute an ERP implementation plan with little to no knowledge in the area. If you are not an expert, do not pretend to be. There are quality ERP consultants out there who have worked with thousands of companies just like yours. Bring one of them on to lend a hand and allow their knowledge to steer clear of any hurdles that could come up.
Building off of this, training your staff is also pivotal. Ensure to budget ERP training into the implementation budget. When you have trained staff, they are going to be knowledgeable about the new systems, processes, and so on.
Building off of this, training your staff is also pivotal. Ensure to budget ERP training into the implementation budget. When you have trained staff, they are going to be knowledgeable about the new systems, processes, and so on.
4. Leave room for growth and expansion
When choosing an ERP process, ensure that it is one that is going to give your business the growth and expansion capabilities that it needs. Check if it matches up against industry standards and best practices, as well. These quick and simple checks can ensure you do not end up implementing a process that is going to be a bottleneck for your business down the road.
5. Factor in return on investment and monitor process improvement
The final tip is to be sure to factor in your ultimate return on investment as a result of the implementation. It is no easy task putting something like this in place. Be sure that you are going to put something in place that you will be able to benefit from. Also, running simulations can assist in monitoring how much process improvement will be seen and how quickly.
ERP implementation successes are built on sound practices that have been established over time. ERP consultants have become experts at laying out roadmaps for success. Following the tips mentioned above will help your business improve its chance at ERP implementation success.
ERP implementation successes are built on sound practices that have been established over time. ERP consultants have become experts at laying out roadmaps for success. Following the tips mentioned above will help your business improve its chance at ERP implementation success.
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