6 Key Stages for a Successful ERP Implementation
Implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can be a complex undertaking that affects many parts of the business. As with any major initiative, a carefully designed implementation plan is critical. When partnering with an ERP specialist, they should divide the implementation process into phases, each with clear objectives, in order to maximise your success. Discover what actions your ERP partner should be focusing on when implementing your cloud-based ERP system. Read the full article from Oracle NetSuite here.
1. Discovery and Planning
All ERP projects start with a discovery and planning phase, which includes researching and selecting a system, setting up a project team and defining detailed system requirements.
2. Design
The design phase works from detailed requirements and an understanding of current workflows to develop a detailed design for the new ERP system. This includes designing new, more efficient workflows and other business processes that take advantage of the system.
3. Development
Armed with clear design requirements, the development phase can begin. This involves configuring and, where necessary, customising the software to support the redesigned processes.
4. Testing
Testing and development may occur concurrently. For example, the project team may test specific modules and features, develop fixes or adjustments based on the results, and retest. Or, it may test one ERP module while another is still in development.
5. Deployment
This is what you’ve been striving toward: the day the system goes live. Be prepared for potential issues, since there may be a lot of moving parts and possibly some befuddled employees, despite your best efforts to prepare them for the change.
6. Support and Updates
Nurturing your ERP implementation after deployment helps to keep users happy and ensure the business achieves the desired benefits. The project team may still be responsible for the ERP system during this phase, but its focus will shift to listening for user feedback and adjusting the system accordingly.
