Onboarding a new ERP system can be a complex and time-consuming undertaking. However, given the transformative changes that such software can deliver, companies should consider the value of time spent in implementation as well as with getting resources right. This should begin with the ERP project team.
According to Program Manager, Brigid Marmion of Intact Software, (a business software provider), the importance is with planning. Marmion has provided some essential insight on the details of ERP success for s project team to Digital Journal readers.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) refers to a type of software that organizations use to manage day-to-day business activities.
According to Marmion it is important for users to understand the types of complexities involved: “Implementing a new ERP system isn’t a simple matter of plug-and-play. There are a host of different things to consider ahead of time, especially now that the hybrid model of working is seemingly here to stay.”
She adds that scoping the right framework is something that matters, noting: “To that end, the environment of your implementation project is an important decision. We’ve found that remote setups often lack the right tools. Elsewhere, speaking to people huddled in one boardroom can cause engagement to drift.”
Other, more qualitative factors that help to build success are, Marmion points out: “Ideally, individual laptops, webcams, and headsets in a quiet location work best, allowing everyone to stay focused and engaged.”
Drawing on project management skills, Marmion also adds: “Knowing your timeline, identifying your busy periods, and then preparing for them is also key. For instance, you may need to back-fill certain roles. Not only does this take time to resource, but such team members also need to understand the significance their part plays in the project.”
Teams can be disrupted by leavers. Here Marmion is sufficiently mindful to state: “Additionally, you should be prepared for people leaving midway through the project. It happens. And it can be a real stumbling block to your ERP project running on schedule. Do you have the resource to retrain, or have someone waiting in the wings who can easily replace them?”
A further consideration is flexibility. While important, eventually decisions need to be made and some require early resolution. As an example, Marmion draw upon: “We often find that our customers don’t know where they’ll be using an on-cloud or on-premises deployment until the last minute, either. Identifying this as early as possible is key. The earlier the decision, the more it can be road-tested, lead times can be shortened, and servers can be upgraded.”
