This post is about helping you to plan for a successful ERP implementation. It could have been called “How to Avoid an ERP Implementation Failure”, but by following these steps, you will be set on the path for a successful implementation.
- Set a Realistic Time Frame: The time has come, you need to implement an ERP system for your business. However, an ERP system is not a product that would be considered an ‘impulse buy’. When it comes to choosing a system, you need to consider the system itself, the vendor, the implementation, which all takes time. And for some businesses, it can take a very long time. Taking into account all of these different stages, you can set a more realistic time frame for your ERP selection and implementation.
- Set a Realistic Budget: Some companies can use an ERP system “off the shelf”, others need the system to be customised to their specific needs. However, with extra customisation comes extra cost. Keep in mind that these extras may cost more, but they may be integral for your business. Try to find out how much customisation costs from each vendor, this will give you time to plan and budget accordingly, making sure that you get the ERP system that is best fit for you and your business.
- Be Patient: This links back to setting a realistic time frame. If you need customisation for the system you have selected, it will need time to be created. A lot of the time it is not a ‘copy and paste’ situation, these customisations need to be made from scratch. Customisation takes time, you don’t want to rush through what may be one of the most essential parts of your system.
- Make a List: Make a list of ‘the essential’ functions that your ERP system must be capable of performing. When implementing an ERP system, there are many things that companies would like it to do. But functionality is one of the most integral parts of an ERP system. Keep the list as short as you can, only listing the fundamental functions that your ERP system will need, specifically for your business. Try and drill down to what is most necessary for your business, what makes your business processes different, use these kinds of questions to help compose your ‘must have’ list.
- Invest in People: One of the biggest reasons ERP systems fail is because the company tries to save money by cutting costs on training, or the users do not buy into the ERP system. Invest in educating the people who will be using the system, if the staff are confident using the system from the beginning, they will be more engaged and confident going forward. Assemble a team, with core staff from each department, that will be interacting with the software, and get them involved with the implementation from day one. If possible, select an ERP Champion for your company, a member of staff who is actively engaged with the software and the implementation, who can get other employees on board with this new technology.
At Profitsflow, we have established ourselves as the leading ERP software provider for the Irish manufacturing and field service markets. Profitsflow provides a full sales, implementation, development and continued technical support service to all of our customers.
Check out some of our other blog posts here.
If you would like some more information about our ERP software, click here.
Follow us on social media: