Make your first ERP implementation your last by following these steps when selecting and implementing ERP.
Know what your company needs and wants
Look into the future, plan for it
Be committed from the top down
Try before you buy
Pick a partner that understands your business
Monitor the progress to ensure focus
Don't bite off more than you can chew
Know what your company needs and wants.
What does your company need ERP for. What major areas of your current structure are letting you down. These are things that your company needs to have in order to function properly, there are other things that would be nice to have. If your budget doesn't allow for nice to have, then ensure that the vendor and the software can provide what you need. Too many times we see companies focus on the bells and whistles and the "core product".
Look into the future and plan for it
When assessing your company software needs take some time to look at what you would like to see in the future. Short sighted planning opens organizations up to things like replacing systems, or spending a lot of money to meet future demands.
Be Committed from the top down
This is one of the most important keys to success. If the owners and managers aren't serious about the integration of their business and the installation of an ERP system the likely hood of success is minimal. The people who run and own the business have to be the driving force behind it at times. How it should be set up, who should do what, breaking down departmental barriers, signing the checks. Buy in is important from the top down.
Try before you buy
There are many different ways to try before you buy. Trails, full demonstration using your own data among others. It is very important that you see that way your companies data will flow and how your people will use the system in there day to day jobs. Just because a software package does something, it doesn't mean it does it the way you need to.
Pick a partner that understands your business
The software you buy and the company you buy it from are not necessarily the same. There are many software salesman out there who know how to navigate the software and talk the talk, but they really don't understand your business processes. Your partner should offer advice when asked, they should bring business process value to your organization. Anyone can tell you how software works but you need to find someone to tell you how software could best work for you.
Monitor the progress to ensure focus
Some one at a high level has to monitor the progress, ensuring that internal staff and vendors are progressing at the proper pace. You will also want to ensure the budget is on track based on the progress of the implementation. When implementing the project can sometimes be side tracked by unforeseen events. Someone needs to ensure the focus is where it needs to be and when things need to be side tracked. Your vendor should aid you in this but if I where you I wouldn't count on it.
Don't bite off more than you can chew
ERP is important and effective in many areas. SME's often have key people who where many hats, if you try to do too much you will these people will be overloaded. Focus on what is going to give you most bang for your buck first and then expand the system. If you are in a rush, enlist the help of your vendor to ease the burden of your key staff. If you do this it is a short term expense that will make the transition for your group. Follow these guidelines to ensure you start off on the right foot. Please visit our Blog or guide for more help tips and advice.
To learn more about how we can help you improve your business processes give us a call 866-693-1379 or local 519-579-0004
Mr Eybel writes the ERP advice blog IntegrateIT, the solutions provide affordable ERP software to Small Business Contact Ken by email at info@integrateit.ca
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By Ken Eybel
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