7 Steps to implement ERP in a right way

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are utilized by businesses looking to manage their business functions within a centralized and integrated system. ERP is commonly used by companies working within the supply chain to help keep track of all the moving parts of manufacturing and distribution. ERP can be utilized by several different industries including those in retail, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, etc. ERP is really important for any organization, it could act as a backbone of any company but you have to keep a lot of things to take full advantage from your ERP which we will discuss in below context

              

Steps to implement ERP

1. Finding objective and scope

Before ERP implementation recognizing the objective and scope of implementing ERP is very important. You should ask yourself a question that "What should ERP be implemented for" and the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) have to be analysed. You should not focus only on the present objective but you also have to keep in mind the future objectives as well, which enables your business to accommodate changes in your future.

As per Panorama's study, 61.1% of ERP implementations take longer than expected and 74.1% of ERP projects exceed the budget. Blurry definition of the ERP requirement is the main cause of a long time and over budgeting. For that you should know the scope of implementing ERP, the ERP demand list should be generated depending on budget and core necessity.

2. Selecting ERP vendors

In this competitive environment, the election of the ideal product is important to achieve productivity gains. There are over 500 ERP applications in the market. While selecting the perfect ERP application for your business, you should know the vendor’s previous projects, industry vertical and experience.

3. Monitor foundation 

According to Mint Jutras, 23% are unable to grow their business as quickly as they would like and believe this to be because they lack the tools they need in their current ERP system. The infrastructure on which the software will operate has to have the expanse of scalability along with options to update as per the demand. Such a requirement should not be limited. 

4. Make employees ready for ERP

Big changes in any organization could also lead to the retention of employees, this could immensely influence the growth rate of a company, therefore management should involve their employees and develop them psychologically to clarify the critical questions like - HOW will ERP help an organization to rise? OR How would ERP enhance productivity? OR How would an ERP automate back-office functions and save time? A couple of brainstorming sessions will build employees' confidence and prepare them to welcome the good change with open arms.
 

5. Technology & Knowledge Transfer

21% of ERP implementations fail to give significant business benefits. The causes vary, beginning with inappropriate customization occurring from ill-trained personnel operating data to the solution. Training is the most important aspect of the ERP software implementation process. It assures there are fewer issues and higher success, especially when ERP is implemented for the first time in the company or when the platform is changed from one ERP solution to another. Decent use of technology and a useful knowledge transfer, along with proper training should be considered.  

5. Testing

 According to a Panorama Research study, 40% of ERP implementations cause major operational disruptions after go-live; therefore, proper testing is necessary before implementation. In the testing phase, improvising can be done keeping core objectives in mind simultaneously. Testing is an important phase of the implementation process, which takes care of system and user acceptance testing. 

6. Maintenance

 Once the ERP solution is properly-checked and implemented, it is the time to go live. After going live you your ERP needs continuous maintenance and updating to avoid any glitches and irregularities. It is a continuous process, not a one-time event.

Now the question is out of 500 ERP applications right now in the market, which one is the best to choose?? Trident (Microsoft ERP partner) ERP Software Solutions are one of the best ERP software providers in, India. Our ERP analyses your business individually before coming with an efficiency offer in order to meet the best needs of your business. We provide customized ERP software solutions in cloud & web based environment, which is our strongest value propositions. Our ERP consists of various building blocks, which enables businesses to choose modules according to their exact needs and integrate all of their key processes into a single solution.