Did you know that 3 out of 4 ERP projects fail? Have you attempted to migrate your processes to ERP software unsuccessfully? If so, then you need a roadmap to follow.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start because you’re in the right place. Keep reading to get the five phases you need to follow for successful ERP implementation.
1. Planning Phase
The first of the ERP phases is the development and planning phase. Moving away from siloed departments and duplicate data processes can be daunting. However, when you break down the process and begin with a well-thought-out plan, you’ll see greater success.
When your employees have the information they need at their fingertips; you’ll see greater gains in productivity and efficiency. As you work to create your plane, look at what your employees need to do their jobs well and grow your business. Look at what’s working and what’s not, then ask your team members what tools or processes would help them do their jobs better, faster, and easier.
2. Design Phase
The second of the ERP implementation stages includes designing new workflows to improve efficiency throughout your organization. Enterprise resource planning looks at all areas of your company, including customer service, shipping and warehousing, project management, accounting, and even HR.
This is why it’s so important to spend time in the first two phases, ensuring that your system is robust enough to cover every aspect of your organization. This is also the stage where you’ll determine what tools to invest in for your team. One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to choose IFS compared to SAP ERP software programs.
Today’s business environment has grown too complex to rely on spreadsheets and out-of-date workflows. That’s why you need to give your employees the processes and tools they need to do their jobs efficiently.
3. Development and Testing Phase
Once you’ve chosen the software you’ll use for your ERP implementation; you’ll need to customize and configure it to best suit your business needs. This phase could have several substages and should be an iterative process.
Don’t be afraid to try and fail. Spending time in this phase before you commit will allow your team to configure your software to best suit their needs. As you migrate your data from your previous tools, be sure to also create onboarding and training information so that your team can fully implement and benefit from your new investment.
4. Deployment Phase
You’ve finally reached the go-live phase of the ERP process. This is where all your planning and testing come to fruition. When done right, the previous phases will ensure that this phase goes smoothly.
You can choose to either roll out your new system in phases or have one large go-live date. Either way, you’ll want to have your team on hand to help your employees understand the new system and troubleshoot any questions or issues.
5. Update and Maintenance
The last of the ERP stages can be ongoing for several months or even years. Your team members will need ongoing support and training, so they don’t feel frustrated with your new system. Continue to ask for feedback and listen to your team, so they feel heard and heeded.
Additionally, as you add new features and new team members, you’ll continually adapt your implementation and processes. Staying up to date with regular maintenance can ensure you stay competitive with efficient processes and workflows across your organization.
Follow These Steps for Your ERP Implementation Success
As you can see, the ERP implementation process can be daunting. But it can also be broken down into attainable phases. Be sure to bookmark this article so you can refer to it as you work through the process.
For more great information on this and other topics, check out the rest of our blog.
