Introduction:
In this age of modern technology and rapid development, competition between firms is getting stiffer; thus, maintaining competitive advantages is more crucial than ever. Businesses seek to maximize their profit margins, streamline their production processes, increase productivity, and improve consumer experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. However, the software has to be appropriately implemented to reach its full potential. Many companies find the procedure extremely difficult. Failure rates are not uncommon as poor planning, improper transfer of data and processes, inadequate staff training, and a change in business goals can hamper the implementation process. If implemented correctly, the software can prove a boon for all and allow efficient handling of complex procedures, generate more profit, and let your business grow and diversify. This article is designed to guide you through a robust plan to ensure your business can reap the rewards of ERP software to its fullest extent.
What Does the Implementation Plan Consist Of?
Before delving into the steps needed for a fool-proof implementation, it is crucial to understand your business sectors and aspects that will be affected and need to be changed. The implementation process includes understanding the areas that require installation before installing the ERP software. Data that is crucial for running the business, including financial, transactional, and operational data, must be transferred correctly and fed into the system. Each production process or job routine must be mapped out precisely with your crew and personnel specially trained to use the software. The efficient implementation of all these processes will determine whether your ERP implementation is a resounding success or a head-scratching failure.
Steps for ERP Implementation:
1) Evaluate the Scope of The Implementation:
It is crucial to analyze the areas requiring an ERP implementation and the reasons for it. This can be done by looking at the KPI (Key Performance Indicator) of each production process or business sector with a team of analysts and IT consultants to see which areas lag and need an upgrade. After determining the areas needing ERP, the project’s goals and potential benefits have to be laid out with a clear roadmap to achieving those outcomes.
2) Assemble the Team:
After the implementation scope has been decided, a dedicated team of personnel includes a project manager, application analyst and developer, quality control engineer, and a senior consultant. They will be responsible for the supervision of the implementation. They should be able to make the critical choices necessary, such as contacting software vendors, settling on a plan, and making the final changes. As such, you should devote some of your most motivated and insightful workers to this critical task. If you can afford it, hiring an ERP implementation consultant can significantly benefit the whole process.
3) Evaluating Available ERP Solutions:
Now is the time to scour the market for the software solution that works best for you. There are many types available, and you should choose the option that works best for you and is the most tailor-made to your business. Custom-built ERP systems are built from the ground up to suit your own needs, but it requires a team of engineers and IT specialists, which incurs many costs. Cloud-based ERP systems are relatively more straightforward as the software is ready to be implemented and available as a service. The vendor also carries out the maintenance of the software. This is a “plug and play” solution as the implementation is fast, hassle-free, and requires minimal intervention from your end. However, your choices and flexibility may be limited as the software will not suit all of your ever-changing needs. Customizable Cloud-based ERP systems offer the best of both worlds with modules that can be bought for added functionality. You can also request for extra features or changes to the existing system. Depending on your business, project goals, and budget, you should take the time to pick the ERP solution that is best for you.
4) Laying Out A Clear Plan:
Once the ERP software of your dreams has been selected, it is essential to have a detailed plan for your team to follow. This should include a forecast of costs, efficient scheduling, compartmentalized to-do lists, case studies for insight, objectives with defined tasks, and equal sharing of responsibility. You should also highly encourage product demos, test runs, and regular consultations with the vendor and your team to ensure a smooth operation. Test runs should check the software code for faults, ensure proper functionality with existing systems, and improve user satisfaction. Your plan should also keep your project goals in mind to clear what the ERP should set out to achieve.
5) Data Migration:
Data migration is the first step in transition to ERP software, which involves transferring business data from consumer, product, supplier, employee, accounts, and transactions sectors. You should carefully decide which of these data to migrate and leave out irrelevant ones. A proper database must be set up with a smooth flow of information from and to the software’s different parts. Testing should also be done on specific data points and inputs. Your application analysts and engineers should typically head this process.
6) Training Staff:
Now comes the critical task of training your staff to make full use of the system. Training can be done either in-person or online, and each has its pros and cons. While it may be daunting at first, the training should be stretched out over a while. Role-specific training should be given out so that your staff knows exactly where to go and what to do in the system in their day-to-day tasks. Be patient and generous in offering perks and benefits to hardworking and motivated employees.
7) Going Live:
You’ve made it. This is the day you will get to use the system thoroughly for the first time. It is crucial to ensure proper communication with each of your employees, create backups for data in case of data loss, carry out a final test of the system, and check the network for speed and reliability.
Mir Info Systems Ltd. is a digital transformation firm and a well-reputed Silver Partner of Odoo in Bangladesh. We are confident in recommending Odoo with its host of powerful features, reliable server support, clean and intuitive UI, and diligent consumer support as the perfect ERP solution for your business. To contact, call at +880 19388 555 00 or shoot a mail at info@ergo-ventures.com.
