Every company has unique business challenges and to be successful, you need to find a suitable ERP solution and work with an ERP partner with the expertise to understand industry requirements and implement an optimal solution that meets those requirements. After choosing your software vendor, you would do well to follow the steps below to ensure a ??smooth implementation that will save you time and money.
1. Project Planning
Set goals that clearly define the scope of the implementation. You determine these goals based on a comprehensive analysis of the current business processes and the things that need improvement. ERP systems are comprehensive, so it is important to plan carefully, assign responsibilities to each member of the project team, set up a training program and include it all in a project plan.
2. Analyzing the capabilities of the software
Spend a full week analyzing the software. This is an important step in the process because it determines where changes to the software are needed. Make sure the changes are in place before you start training employees. The team needs to be on the right track to increase the likelihood that expectations will be met. Train each component of the ERP software to give the team a full understanding of the capabilities and any gaps.
3. Data management
Determine what information should be transferred by analyzing the current data. Converting the data 100% is not a good idea as there is obsolete information in the system. Properly map the data and data source and check compatibility with the software. The goal of this step is simple - to improve the accuracy and completeness of the data.
4. Training & Testing
To test the accuracy of the software's information and functionality, the project team should practice in a test database. Any integration or interface design issues can be adjusted before go-live. After testing is complete, establish a detailed training program for your staff.
5. Go-live & post-implementation
Establish a checklist to ensure everything is completed before go-live. Members of the project team and department heads should be fully trained to answer any questions users may have regarding the use of the software. The management team should remain committed to the software and continually evaluate it to maximize benefits.
Noor Shaikh is Marketing & Sales Executive in North America at Dysel and knows all about the ERP software challenges for equipment dealerships.
