Information is Power (ERP Implementation)
Business Owners need good quality processed data to make good quality decisions on a routine basis.
However, many business owners didn’t see putting in place a mechanism (ERP Implementation) to process & harness information in their companies as something important. Sad.
No matter what type of business you’re in, implementing an ERP solution is a critical project that must be taken seriously.
A Good ERP gives Good Information, & Good Information is Power in today’s Information Age !
4 Critical Success Factors for a successful ERP Implementation :
1. Cost
2. The ERP Implementation Project Manager
3. Commitment by the project team
4. Support by business owners
ERP deployment is a major undertaking, but the process doesn’t have to be painful.
With proper planning & execution, implementing an ERP system should be a smooth process & would quickly improve efficiency across your business.
From my past ERP implementation projects as the Project Leader, I learnt the hard way to arrive at these 4 critical ERP implementation best practices :
1. Select the Best ERP Implementation for Your Business
There are multiple types of ERP Systems. Before investing in an on-site ERP solution, consider this sobering fact:
* the pain required to re-implement incremental releases is too great—especially since each upgrade means the business risks losing critical customizations & integrations.
* Keeping ERP technology current is key to maximizing its potential, so it’s essential to choose a system deployment option that’s easy to update & will preserve custom features.
2. Get Executive Buy-In & Build Consensus around ERP Implementation
* Getting buy-in from company executives means educating leadership about what ERP implementation means for the company.
* More than just software, ERP technology can transform the business, an idea that executives must support before moving forward with any deployment effort.
* Frequent communication from executives about ERP implementation plans & changing workflow processes are vital to helping build consensus — and even excitement — across your company.
* Remember, without Buy-in, Garbage-In Garbage-Out may be the result later, wasting all the investments made in the ERP System.
3. Set Realistic Expectations for ERP Implementation
* ERP software is powerful technology that can streamline processes, improve visibility, reduce costs, & completely change the way that your company does business — but it won’t happen overnight.
* ERP solutions encompass many complex front- & back-office systems, from accounting & inventory management to e-commerce & CRM, which need to be integrated to create a seamless experience for end users.
* This takes careful planning & time to execute. To accelerate the implementation process, make sure your project is scoped appropriately & consider working with an experienced, knowledgeable ERP expert.
4. Focus on Staff Resources & Strong Project Management
* Before starting any ERP implementation, make sure that your company has the staff resources in place to see the project through to completion.
* Many companies begin deployment without resourcing it adequately, resulting in overworked, unhappy employees and a less-than-optimal installation.
* Identifying a dedicated project leader & a team for your ERP implementation will help ensure that the project goes smoothly.
* For ERP team members, consider reassigning 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, & to keep the implementation on schedule.
CBO is able to assist you by being appointed as the “Project Manager” for your ERP implementation, applying these best practices to help you launch your deployment on the right track & keep it there throughout the entire process.
CBO stands by your side in researching the best ERP implementation option for your business, building consensus around the effort, setting realistic expectations, acting as an efficient bridge between you as Business Owner and the ERP Vendor, as well as your employees.
This is possible because we had practical experiences in speaking the same languages of Business Owners, the ERP Vendor and your Employees.
If you need help, feel free to contact us at :
(M) +65 90880669
