Top 5 Components For A Successful ERP Implementation

Depending on your sources of research, between 30 and 60 percent of all ERP implementations fail. These could involve running vastly over budget, being months overdue, or not delivering the expected benefits to help with business objectives – you don’t want any of that with your ERP project.

Choosing the right ERP solution for your business can be a challenge in itself, but there are a number of steps you can take to streamline your implementation. Read on to discover five essential components for your ERP project and save yourself from running into any unwanted trouble.

1.    Identify the problems

Before beginning your implementation, you should identify and communicate any existing problems with decision makers and your ERP implementation partner. It’s far easier to justify time and costs of your project when issues holding back the growth of your business are presented.

If you’re parting from an existing system, you’ll need to explain what’s missing, the inefficiencies, and what could be beneficial for your business with a more effective ERP solution. If this is your first venture into ERP, you’ll need to explore the transition across your business operations, and explain your expectations on how the process will set the change you seek in motion.

2.    Secure stakeholder buy-in

As your new ERP solution will affect all aspects of your operations, buy-in for the implementation should be company-wide. By following the first step and identifying existing problems, securing stakeholder buy-in will be easier to achieve. However, there are several steps you can take to help support your proposition:

• Track and document how current processes are (or aren’t) performing.
• Express your thoughts. Explain where you want/ see the business in the future and how a new ERP solution will work in unity.
• Calculate an estimate ROI. Explore the potential for increase in sales and productivity, as well as where costs can be cut.

In short, present your objectives clearly and get the decision makers on board with your solution.

3.    Brief your IT department

Your IT department will naturally become involved in the project. Depending on their skills set, they may be able to handle customisation, configurations, and the programming required to get the new system up and running. However, it’s unlikely they’ll have the expertise to ensure complete ERP success.

It’s super important your IT department are aware of your objectives and business needs from the very start. The more information they have, the easier their job will be, meaning deadlines and budgets can be met accordingly.

4.    Plan for change management

With the extensive functionality that ERP solutions bring to your business, you’ll need to plan for change management. From supply chain and project management, to stock control, human resources, marketing and more, your ERP will bring change to every aspect of your operations.

Change management must be in place to communicate new information about the system, and help employees manage and understand new processes. Effective change management will ensure everything is running smoothly from the green light. Don’t underestimate its importance.

5.    Collaborate with an ERP implementation provider

Making the switch to a new ERP platform isn’t a walk in the park. With data integrated from every area of your operations, automated workflows, and several details to consider, assigning a specialist ERP implementation consultant is crucial.

In fact, the success of your roll out will depend on the partner you appoint.

As both Microsoft and NetSuite implementation partners, we help businesses reach their potential. With a vast amount of experience implementing cost-effective ERP solutions, Nolan are the ideal partner for your project. Whether that be with Microsoft Dynamics 365, Dynamics GP, or NetSuite ERP, we have the knowledge and skills needed to help your business succeed. Contact our experts today and start your journey to efficient business processes.