Your company has decided that a new ERP system needs to be implemented. This is just the start of your ERP journey.

Below you will find 7 tips for a successful ERP selection process and implementation.

1. For a successful ERP project, upper management will need to buy into the project from the very beginning. Management do not need to understand the intricacies of each module or customisation, but they do need to help drive the need for change within the business. An ERP project does not only benefit management, it benefits the business as a whole, but management needs to be on board with the new system.
2. Before the selection process begins, make sure to draw up a list of requirements for your future ERP system. Divide your list of requirements into ‘must haves’, elements that are vital to your business, and ‘would like to haves’.
   By having a list of requirements;
   – It will be easier to engage with appropriate ERP vendors
   – It will help with staying on budget for the project
   – It will aid in drawing up an appropriate timeline for the project, based on the amount of modules needed and when they will need to be live for
3. Once a list of requirements has been finalised, engage with vendors that are able to meet the requirements. If you have a ‘must have’ on your list of requirements that a vendor is unable to meet, it may be worth looking elsewhere. This ensures that the system that you choose will be the best possible fit for your business.
4. Don’t forget to include mobile users when drawing up the list of requirements. Mobile users can be on the road or may be on the shop floor. Mobile applications can help connect users to the back office software, ensuring that all data within the system is changing in real time.
5. Before signing on the dotted line with a chosen vendor, ask them to provide references. Any vendor will be happy to provide an industry relevant reference. Ask the reference how their implementation went, but also ask about post implementation service that the vendor provides. This will help to demonstrate how responsive the vendor will be, post implementation. A vendor should become your ERP partner.
6. Before making a final decision on the vendor, an ERP team should be put together. Ideally, a team leader would be chosen, who would champion the project. By having a product champion within the company, they can help other system users to buy into the new system. By having an ERP project team within the business, it alleviates the fear associated with the change in software, as there will be one person that staff can go to in regards to the ERP project.
7. Once a suitable vendor has been chosen, make sure that everyone in the business puts aside appropriate time and any necessary resources that will be needed for training. This is where many ERP projects can fail, as people think that the hard work is done during the selection process. Appropriate training can help users buy into using the software, as they will be better prepared for Go Live, and continued use of the software.

   Remember, implementing ERP is a marathon, not a sprint.!

Download the free Profitsflow white paper, ERP Selection Guide here

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