Organizations implement enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for various reasons. The objective can be improving the customer experience, increasing productivity, or cutting expenses. Many different kinds of software are used with an ERP system. Spreadsheets and other paper-based processes can be replaced with a centralized set of tools for managing business operations and a single database that stores data from all parts of the company and is open to the public.
Still, putting ERP software into place can be hard because it affects so many different parts of a business. Usually, an implementation takes several months, and in larger, more sophisticated firms, it may even take longer. Mistakes during planning or implementation, such as when needs or goals are unclear, can cause more delays. A strong implementation team is essential to the success of an ERP implementation. Before you start, you should be aware of the following:
Specified ERP Implementation Team
A professional and committed staff is necessary for large projects, and deploying a new ERP system is no exception. Your ERP implementation strategy should list the key people on the team, who should come from different parts of the organization and levels of authority. This means the team should have project managers, executives, end users affected by the implementation, subject-matter experts from other parts of the business, and IT staff with the right skills to install or customize the new system.
Each of these people will provide important insights into how people work, provide sponsorship, and all-around helpful help.
The ERP Implementation Team’s Function
The ERP installation team is responsible for adhering to best practices throughout the process, ensuring the project’s success, and getting the ERP solution up and running as needed. The team takes over the project immediately and works to find a solution that meets the organization’s goals and has the needed skills and resources. These requirements are laid out for the ERP system by the team, which also assigns important deadlines, decides precisely how certain business operations will be supported, and tests the new system before it is used.
The entire crew needs to be put together right at the start of the project. In this manner, all interested parties will have a chance to be heard and play a part in assisting successful implementation at each level.
The ERP Implementation Team’s Main Players and Responsibilities
The ERP installation team must consist of the most qualified individuals if you want the project to be successful. Each team member has a unique job with specific duties, which should be based on their knowledge, experience, and availability to work on the project. These duties should be defined clearly to ensure everyone knows exactly what they are doing and prevent responsibility gaps.
1. Project Director
A point person who ensures deadlines are met, and the project stays within its intended scope is needed for an ERP deployment. The project manager oversees the project’s progress and conveys project statuses and problems to the executive sponsor and other team members.
The project manager is responsible for a variety of tasks. They must take the initiative to choose a few ERP vendors, set up demos for the team, and plan the evaluation. They also outline the steps involved in implementation, such as synchronizing the system with operational procedures and running testing. The project manager updates the project plan at each stage and informs the executive sponsor about the team’s progress.
2. The Chief Sponsor
Someone at the top must lead and direct the implementation strategy because ERP deployment could impact almost every organization’s department. This person serves as the project’s internal champion and must evaluate risks and develop action plans while frequently serving as the company’s public face. The executive sponsor receives updates from the project manager and keeps in touch with the key team members during implementation.
Often, the executive sponsor is the one who makes financial decisions regarding the initiatives. This is based on suggestions from the implementation team and is tailored to the customer’s business requirements. The project budget may need to be increased, the processes to be automated may need to be identified, and it may be necessary to add or remove staff.
Key Members of the Cross-functional Team
Technical experts from different parts of the company, like IT, finance, and manufacturing, are needed for a good team (if this is the case). These team members are responsible for guiding software configuration and design to support crucial business operations and identifying chances to use the new system’s capabilities to make advancements. They need to learn about some of the ERP’s technical features to understand what it can do for their business needs and technological problems.
An IT team representative will speak on behalf of the internal IT team that brings the system online if you do not engage the services team from the ERP vendor or a third-party partner to guide the deployment. This team will be essential to tailor the software to the demands of the business, whether through an on-premises solution or a cloud-based ERP. The IT team will install and maintain the gear and software if an on-premises solution is chosen.
The article Cloud ERP versus On-Premise ERP Comparison has more information on the distinctions between cloud ERP and on-premise ERP.
1. End-users
Super users is another name for these. They are members of the ERP installation team because their departments have issues setting up the system. They frequently promote adoption inside their departments by responding to general inquiries about how the system will function after it goes online.
End users must have strong technical abilities and demonstrate leadership to be project champions. They must be good communicators to ensure departmental concerns are brought up and to aid other users in understanding the new system.
2. Report Author
The capacity of ERP systems to analyze and produce reports on many kinds of corporate data is one of their strongest features. A report writer is frequently part of an ERP deployment team to tailor the platform’s reports to specific business requirements. This person must thoroughly understand the reporting features and the data it contains.
The report writer analyzes the organization’s current reporting procedures and develops ways to apply the new solution to make improvements. After the system goes live, they could still be involved in editing and producing new reports.
3. Collaboration Partner
Businesses often work with an implementation partner to help with the technical work of setting up a new system. They might also assume a few duties on the ERP implementation team. For instance, an implementation partner could manage the project and assist in coordinating the technical aspects of installing and customizing the system.
4. Partners.
In general, implementation partners do not fill all positions on the implementation team. Still, they may take the initiative, make sure that hard technical tasks are done on time and as effectively as possible, and bring specialized knowledge to the table.
Final Thought
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.
