Define your Business Requirements
Being Certified ZOHO Consultants, the first thing that we suggest to any of our potential clients during one of our assessments is to evaluate your business needs and operational requirements before choosing an ERP system. Every business is different, and therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all ERP system. However, there are some common characteristics and requirements you may want to consider when selecting your ERP system. Business and operational requirements can include the following:
BUSINESS DIMENSIONS
- What is the size of your company?
- What are the major business segments?
- What are your customer segments?
- What is your geographic distribution?
- What is your revenue?
- What is your net profit?
- What is your break-even point?
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- What are your operational requirements?
- What are your key performance indicators?
- What is your desired customer experience?
Don't rush the Implementation
One of the most common mistakes companies make is rushing the implementation at the expense of a proper design and preparation phase. An ERP implementation is a complex undertaking that should be planned and executed with great care and attention to detail. It is advised that the implementation phase takes at least 12 to 18 months from start to finish.
A rushed implementation can disrupt your business, lead to employee confusion and dissatisfaction, and damage customer experience. It is important to get the design and implementation phases right from the start to avoid problems and unnecessary complications in the future.
Start with a Strong Foundation
In building a house, the first and most important thing to do is to build a strong foundation. The same is true for building your ERP system. You must build a strong foundation for your ERP system by implementing the right foundational elements that will enable the system to function as intended. These foundational elements include the following:
- Data governance
- A data architecture and data dictionary
- A master data management strategy
- Master data management
- Data quality
- Master data management strategy
- Process governance
- Operational readiness
- Testing, training, and support
- Security
- Risk management
- A Project management plan
Build a Strong Team & Train Them
One of the major challenges companies face when implementing an ERP system is the need to retrain employees and change their workflows and habits. It is important to build a strong team and train your employees to ensure a smooth implementation.
The implementation team should include key stakeholders from all departments, including IT, finance, HR, sales and marketing, customer experience, and operational excellence. The implementation team should have a vested interest in the success of the project, and they should be empowered to make decisions related to the implementation.
Be Flexible with your Ground Rules & Procedures
One of the major advantages of an ERP system is that it can bring consistency, efficiency, and accuracy to your business processes. But what happens when you have to break your own rules or change some of your procedures to fit the system?
This can be a major detraction and confuse your employees. It is important to be flexible with your ground rules and procedures. Let the system perform optimally, but be cognizant of the need to adapt and change a few procedures here and there based on the strengths and weaknesses of the system.
Be Diligent with your Effectiveness & Efficiency Audits
Leverage your Investments in Technology & People
An ERP system is just a bunch of computer programs and data that are useless if they are not being used correctly. It is important to leverage your investments in technology and people to ensure that the system is being used correctly and to its full potential. There are many ways to leverage technology and people, including the following:
- Make it easy to use.
- Make sure that the system is easily accessible, intuitive, and user-friendly.
- Utilize automated workflows.
- Ensure that workflows are automated and guided to minimize errors and time spent on manual tasks.
- Provide visibility and transparency.
- Make sure that employees have the visibility and transparency required to do their jobs seamlessly.
- Create an engaging and positive user experience.
- Make sure that employees have a positive user experience with the system. This will help to reduce resistance and improve adoption.
Summing Up
Summing Up
Companies like Erphub provide consultancy services for your business and their services are tailor made specifically for your business.
