In this modern world of business, everyone knows and understands the importance of ERP Software. While everyone focus on the importance of finding the right ERP software, but most people tend to overlook the most important factor in determining the success of any solution. There is a thing that goes undetected in a lot of failed ERP Software. That overlooked villain is improper implementation.
All efforts that we have put into finding the right ERP Software will end up bearing no fruits if the software is not implemented in the right way or manner. The ERP implementation cycle will directly determine the success of the software and also the degree of its effectiveness. Many organizations work very hard to find the right ERP software but drop the ball in the implementation process. Even the best and known ERP can be failed and rendered fruitless due to improper implementation.
A well-designed ERP implementation process cycle will ensure maximum benefits from the software. After selecting the right ERP software for your business or organization, we suggest the following implementation methodology for maximum benefits.
Follow the following steps for successful implementation:
- Create a detailed summary of the scope of the program
For every project, it is very important and necessary to formulate a detailed summary of the implementation program, like listing down the goal and objective that the project aims to achieve. The motive for the project needs to be clearly defined with a clear definition of the purpose. A clear definition is key to the success of any engagement.
Once the objective and purpose of the project are defined, it is very important to organize an implementation team and their roles. The right team will ensure the correct path for the implementation and smooth realization of the project.
- Formulate the change management plan
The implementation process of software is going to do transformation at the core level of the organization. This step is the most crucial part of effective and efficient implementation. In-depth change management plans need to be created for ensuring that all the disruptive changes that will be caused in the organization accounted for and will tackle accordingly
This also includes creating a definite implementation schedule with a timeline for user-based training, testing, and technical activities related to go-live and cost forecast. Sufficient resources need to be allocated towards the implementation.
- Define the phase of implementation
The implementation process will run into chaos without a proper breakdown of the phase in which the implementation needs to take place. Due to the undefined phase of implementation and lack of structure, the project will lead to dead-ends, loops, and impasses. Define implementation will provide a roadmap to follow, this will ensure an organized and structured implementation flow.
- Data Migration Process
Once all planning is taken care of, it is time to get down to business. This starts with migrating the data from the existing system to your new ERP system. This is a crucial step for obvious reasons. Any system is only as good as its data, if the data is inaccurate, or incomplete, the output rendered by the system will be compromised.
The first step is to cleanse and verify legacy data. Once the data is processed as needed, it is time to transfer it to the new system. After the completion of data transfer, thorough verification of data integrity and data mapping will complete the data migration process.
- Training
No matter how capable and ERP software is, it is not going to be successful unless the user knows how to use it. Even with an ERP Software that is user-friendly, user training is very crucial.
The User Training Program needs to be purposed to enable users to draw maximum benefit out of the system. Make sure that user training is also optimized to fulfill the needs of various user groups. It is also important to offer role-based training to employees.
Another crucial aspect is to make sure that you choose the correct training method. Online training and in-person training, both have their pros and cons to consider, be sure to choose the method that best suits your needs. A good feedback incorporation system makes a huge impact in ensuring the fruitfulness of the training.
- Testing and Go-Live
Your final checklist before going live ought to include:
- Check auto-backup functionalities
- Make sure that adequate resources from the IT team are assigned and ready to go to work
- Communication of system downtime
- Ensure that all technical requirements are taken care of
- Testing (pre-go-live)
- Go Live
With Facts ERP software Dubai, UAE we further elaborate the process and convert it into 15 steps procedure to make it more transparent for our customers.