Best Steps for a Successful ERP System Implementation

The most successful ERP system implementations result when an organization takes the time to carefully conduct an ERP comparison of the features of leading ERP solutions on the market and the capabilities of those vendors. Whichever solution is chosen, the organization must be prepared for an extended implementation process and for its employees to experience a longer learning curve before becoming highly productive with the new system.

There is no magic formula that will make ERP software systems work smoothly for a business; however, without complete support and participation from the organization’s senior management, the company is unlikely to realize the optimum benefits of the ERP system. Before a vendor is chosen, the business should consider whether all business processes have been optimized to support its strategic opportunities and long-range goals.

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Flawed business processes will see little benefit from an ERP system implementation. An inefficient process can also indicate a flawed business strategy that would require the attention of top management.

Before undergoing an ERP system implementation, the organization should form an ERP planning committee comprising representatives from every department affected by the ERP system implementation. The responsibility of senior management is to ensure that the company’s business strategy delivers competitive advantage and that processes are in place to support organizational change without losing sight of everyday objectives. When the planning team makes a software choice, it should be flexible enough to accommodate today’s rapidly changing business conditions.

Training for all employees on the new system must be a main priority when planning for a successful ERP system implementation. Employees must be sold on the benefits that the system will provide and believe it will better enable them to do their jobs more effectively. The rapid flow of information up and down the supply chain that an ERP system will facilitate will require adaption to new processes by some staff members, but it is a necessary tool to compete in today’s dynamic economic conditions.

One of the most important facets of a successful ERP system is to have an experienced project manager who has been delegated the authority to compel employees to change as required. S/he must have the authority to delegate important tasks to the right people at the right time.

Also, employees must be motivated with a sense of urgency and be accountable for their responsibilities to ensure all ERP preparation and implementation activity is completed in a timely manner. Project delays can add significantly to the total project cost and possibly eliminate the predicted return on investment.

The most important question to be answered to ensure a successful ERP system implementation is ‘How will the new ERP system be used?’. The focus should always be on business strategy and not software and vendor selections as no IT solution can fix every broken business process or improve a flawed strategy.

Careful planning, the right education and training for the right people, and experienced, agile project leadership, with the authority to implement change and assign people so that all deadlines are met, are the keys to a successful ERP implementation.