Page 189 - DCAP307_PLANNING_AND_MANAGING_IT_INFRASTRUCTURE

Unit 11: Enterprise Resource Planning – II

roles and processes are likely to change during the ERP implementation. Many projects Notes
neglect the need to devote time and resources to change management ensuring that a clear
process is defined and implemented to help workers through process of change from the
old system to the new.
5. Training and Support Resources: A new ERP system will need highly qualified consultants
experienced at implementation and training. Make sure the vendor you choose has
consultants readily available to train and support your staff on the daily use of the system
and any problems and questions that could arise. Also make sure that there is a clear
training program defined for new hires and is supported by the ERP software company.

6. Clear Implementation plan and timeline: A crucial part of implementing an ERP system is
deciding the exact steps of how it will be done and when. Make sure all affected departments
in your organisation are consulted as to when the best time it is to implement the new
system.

Example: Choosing to implement an accounting ERP system at year-end accounting
closing would be a bad decision.

Making the cut over to a new system in the most crucial periods of business is not a good
decision.
7. Get Executive Buy-In and Build Consensus around ERP Implementation: Getting buy-in
from company executives means more than just getting a signature to approve investment
in an ERP solution (though that is certainly important); it means educating leadership
about what ERP implementation means for the company. More than just software, ERP
technology can transform the business, an idea that executives must support before moving
forward with any deployment effort. Frequent communication from executives about
ERP implementation plans and changing processes are vital to helping build consensus—
and even excitement—across your company
8. Set Realistic Expectations for ERP Implementation: ERP software is powerful technology
that can streamline processes, improve visibility, reduce costs, and completely change the
way that your company does business—but it won’t happen overnight. ERP solutions
encompass many complex front- and back-office systems, from accounting and inventory
management to ecommerce and CRM, which need to be integrated to create a seamless
experience for end users.

!
Caution This takes careful planning and time to execute.

To accelerate the implementation process, make sure your project is scoped appropriately
and consider working with an experienced, knowledgeable ERP expert. The average
customer is typically able to implement its ERP system within three months — much less
than the on-premise ERP implementation industry average of a year and a half.
9. Focus on Staff Resources and Strong Project Management: Before starting any ERP
implementation, make sure that your company has the staff resources in place to see the
project through to completion. This may seem like an obvious point, but many companies
begin deployment without resourcing it adequately, resulting in overworked, unhappy
employees and a less-than-optimal installation.

Identifying a dedicated project leader and a team for your ERP implementation will help
ensure that the project goes smoothly. For ERP team members, consider reassigning or
removing some of their normal job duties so they have enough time to concentrate on the

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