ERP implementation initiatives frequently run into problems that can cause them to go over budget or even worse. For some, the idea of undertaking an ERP job can be rather intimidating due to its sheer size. The good news is that you can easily make an ERP implementation a success and it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
The fundamental principles listed below serve as a success road map.
1. Decide early on what’s best for you
The first piece of advice is to choose wisely from the start. Don’t rush the ERP vendor selection procedure because that is where it all begins. Spend some time outlining your needs, wants, goals, timetable, budget, and budget constraints. Knowing all of these things makes it simpler to locate the software that best suits your requirements so you can move forward as necessary.
Read our blog “The ERP Selection Process” to learn more about how to choose the best ERP software.
2. Pick the Best Partner for Implementation
This relates to the last point, but it’s still essential to remember. The ideal implementation partner will have knowledge of implementing your selected ERP system for companies in your sector. They will therefore be able to advise and direct you appropriately because they are very acquainted not only with the software but also with the requirements of your industry.
Visit our post Choosing the Right ERP Implementation Partner for some of the best advice on choosing an ERP partner.
3. Create a team to implement your ERP.
Every department should be represented because a new ERP solution will have an impact on the complete organization. The implementation team should consist of members from different departments and include individuals with a range of helpful skill sets, including project management, communication, strategy, and planning.
To assist your team in identifying the required workflows once the ERP is in place, you must plan out all of your anticipated daily operations. They will also be able to prepare for things like data migration and determine what infrastructure will be required. To succeed, all of this demands effective teamwork.
What characteristics would the ideal ERP deployment team have? Read our blog on Building an ERP Implementation Team.
4. Make Exact Plans and Implement ERP Using the Correct Steps
If you want to complete ERP projects on schedule and within price, planning is essential. Your team needs to collaborate with your ERP partner and adhere to the proper execution procedures you outline in your plan. This will guarantee that you constantly work toward measurable objectives.
You should prepare for the problems that will inevitably occur. To lessen the effects of problems that emerge and give you a chance to adjust the configuration before going live, your plan should include trial runs and testing. Please take a look at our blog on why ERP Implementation fail and how to prevent from failing.
5. Throughout, keep senior management involved.
Senior management and stakeholders in the ERP project must back each stage of the transition. Executives should give this new system top priority because it will be crucial to any future development. They will set an excellent example to make sure the remainder of your staff follows new procedures as they are implemented.
6. Continue to Keep End Users Engaged
There might be some reluctance to change among your staff. It is crucial to maintain end users’ engagement at all times because they will experience the effects of change the most. An employee engagement strategy can be helpful in this regard, providing you direction on how to inform those end users of changes to procedures and deadlines as the project moves forward.
7. Create an adoption strategy using change management
Maintaining end user engagement is one thing, but you must implement a thorough strategy to hasten user adoption and stop the spread of false information. Implementing change management strategies is necessary to ensure that the company’s goal is kept front and center and that employees understand how the changes relate to that mission.
A strategy for informing workers about changes to their jobs should be in place. Those people ought to be inspired to assume responsibility for their new duties and to have faith in their ability to carry them out.
8. Take Your Training Seriously
The finest ERP system won’t benefit your company if your users don’t know how to use it properly. Before the new ERP goes online, everyone who will use it needs to receive the appropriate training for their position. They will be able to use it effectively for their daily tasks if they do it this manner.
Users can be kept engaged and open to new adjustments with thorough training. You should choose whether to give everyone rudimentary training or more in-depth training to a select group of people who can serve as a resource for others to learn from. Take training carefully and decide how it will be carried out.
9. Test repeatedly
Before going live, your new ERP system needs to pass all tests. Typically, the first testing phase focuses on rule optimization and protection. The following testing phase is more of a trial run to ensure that all users have received the necessary instruction to know what they must do. Additionally, it will test the implementation of new business procedures and provide information on how the new system will affect operations.
Establish a testing plan and make sure all project participants are included.
10. After Go Live
Celebrate the victory as soon as the system is operational and make sure to let your team know how much you value their efforts. It’s important to keep everyone interested, fired up, and prepared for adjustments to come.
Having said that, realize there will be more to come. Be ready for more change and keep a relationship with your implementation partner as a source of support and guidance for the foreseeable future. As you use the new system, your employees will unavoidably discover teething problems or opportunities to improve.
Conclusion
Taking Your Business to the next step can only become a reality if you have the expertise to deliver outstanding solutions. At Seibert Consulting Group, we provide modern solutions to businesses that fully utilize the NetSuite ERP, SuiteCommerce, Shopify, and BigCommerce eCommerce platforms. We always customize our solutions to meet Your Business’ requirements and goals. Let’s start talking about your project and find out how we can help Your Business grow. Contact us via our chatbot or email at hello@seibertconsulting.com and via our direct line at 760-205-5440.
