5 tips for a successful cloud ERP implementation

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to ERP implementation, and many businesses can find it a daunting process. Whether a cloud solution has already been selected, or you’re still exploring your ERP options, there may be some lingering concerns when it comes to implementation - from business distribution, through to budget overruns, and project delays.

Whilst these are all valid concerns, it certainly shouldn’t put you off, especially given the potential benefits cloud ERP has to offer.

The good news is, approaching your cloud ERP implementation with a well-designed strategy and realistic plan will more than likely result in success. In this article, we explore five tips designed to eliminate your ERP concerns and ensure a successful implementation to the cloud.

1. Define your business requirements

With hundreds of ERP platforms available today, each with varying capabilities, it’s important to outline your requirements thoroughly before making your mind. If you think you’re already set on a platform, take this point into careful consideration and approach it with an open mind. You never know, there may be a more suited ERP to your business requirements.

Start by auditing your current systems and processes and think about what solutions could help streamline your organisations future. It will set the foundation that impacts your project scope, timelines, and budget.

Time invested in this stage is time well spent. Knowing what your business and employees need is crucial for setting your cloud ERP implementation up for success.

2. Set realistic expectations

Often, ERP implementation failures can be traced back to unrealistic expectations.

Software vendors are notorious for over-simplifying the implementation process. You’ll often hear statements such as “We’ll get this done in no time” which results in unrealistic expectations from the get-go.

Make sure you’re not basing your timeline and budget on overly optimistic estimates. Instead, consult with an ERP expert and use benchmarks from what other companies similar to yours have achieved.

3. Get your people on board

Another common reason for failure is due to the lack of end-user buy in. Your people are the ones responsible for using the software and harvesting the many benefits that make the investment worth it.

To ensure they make use of your new cloud ERP, they must understand the benefits of brining a new system in. So, be sure to assess the cultural changes requires and communicate it to set staff expectations.

It’s also important to remember that people forget how to do things, employees may leave, and new issues can arise. Combat this by investing in staff training and ensuring the system is clearly understood by both long serving and new employees.

4. Ensure your data is clean

It’s best to begin assessing your data’s accuracy early on. Your master data needs to be complete and accurate since it affects all ERP implementation phases, including testing and training end-users. Prior to a data migration, determine consistent data definitions and formats and make sure you have clear data practices across the board.

5. Work with an experienced ERP partner

It’s hard enough leading your organisation through the change process of an ERP project. Fortunately, you haven’t got to take on the implementation part alone. An experienced ERP partner will understand the common challenges faced in your sector and help streamline the implementation process, reduce costs, and increase margins.

Ensure a successful cloud ERP implementation with Nolan Business Solutions

At Nolan Business Solutions, we’re committed to providing long term cloud ERP solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. We’re the experts in providing NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics solutions that help businesses looking to grow.

Our team of accredited ERP experts will develop, deploy, and support your implementation from beginning to end, and after. So, if you’re looking to start your ERP implementation journey, we’d love to support you. Contact our team today for more information.