ERP implementations are a stressful time for your company, and for good reason. Without the right guidance and strategy, deciding to build a fully integrated ERP system often lead a lot of businesses into the dark. But there are more than a few ways to avoid this outcome. In this article, read about 9 different steps that can help your company implement with quality.
If you’re reading this, it’s likely that your organization is getting serious about implementing an ERP system. You might be doing this for a variety of reasons—scale, efficiency, drive processes and production, etc. and/or all of the above—but no matter what your reason, there is a whole constellation of details and steps to consider before initiating your implementation.
You have a long road ahead of you, and you’re going to need to look at the process from a variety of angles and perspectives that give way to strategies for a successful project. To help you in your journey, below we’ve listed 9 steps that our ERP experts consider before, during, and after your implementation. Each of which is its own journey in itself, and will require their own strategies and commitments in order to be successful.
But for now, we figure we’ll start here. OSI’s 9 steps toward a successful ERP implementation:
1. Conduct a thorough analysis of the organization’s needs: It is important to carefully assess the organization’s business processes and needs before selecting an ERP system. This can help ensure that the chosen system is a good fit and reduce the risk of implementation failure.
One way OSI analyzes organizations is by conducting a thorough and honest pre-implementation workshop, that way both parties know what we’re getting into before getting started on the challenging road to full integration.
2. Choose the right ERP system: Carefully evaluating different ERP systems and selecting the one that best meets the organization’s needs can help reduce the risk of implementation failure.
3. Proper project management: Proper project management is crucial to the success of an ERP implementation. This includes setting clear goals and objectives, establishing a timeline, and effectively communicating with all stakeholders.
4. Proper user training: Providing proper training to users can help ensure that they are able to effectively use the ERP system and reduce the risk of errors or issues.
5. Testing and quality assurance: Thoroughly testing the ERP system before and after implementation can help identify and fix any potential issues, reducing the risk of implementation failure.
6. Risk management plan: Developing a risk management plan can help identify and mitigate potential risks associated with the ERP implementation. This may include identifying potential risks, developing contingency plans, and regularly monitoring progress to identify any issues that may arise.
7. Establish a clear roll-out plan: Developing a clear roll-out plan can help ensure a smooth and successful implementation. This may include a phased approach, where the ERP system is rolled out to different departments or business units over time.
8. Implement strong security measures: Implementing strong security measures can help protect the ERP system and the sensitive data it handles, improving its overall quality and reliability.
9. Engage with a reputable vendor: Engaging with a reputable vendor can help ensure that you have access to high-quality support and resources to help improve the performance of the ERP system.
