Last week, we provided you with 5 tips to help you achieve an efficient enterprise resource planning (ERP) software implementation. The first tip in “5 Tips for an Efficient ERP Implementation” really jumped out at me:
“Prepare by assigning internal resources, tidying up your database, figuring out timing issues, and building your business case.”
I’d like to expand upon the idea of assigning internal resources during an ERP implementation. During planning, you should assign at least one person from each department that will be affected by an ERP implementation. In my experience, this usually does not happen – even though we strongly recommend it.
The planning and actual ERP implementation is typically left to one person, usually someone in IT management. While the IT department certainly has the technical knowledge to perform a successful implementation, they cannot possibly take the total picture into consideration. This generally leads to a long implementation process and costly errors.
The few times we have seen our clients involve all of the appropriate stakeholders in the ERP planning and implementation process, the implementations have been noticeably faster and smoother because key issues had already been addressed ahead of time and were able to be built into the total implementation plan.
I’d go as far to say that for every hour spent planning, you’ll save two hours of consulting time, which – of course – could add up to huge savings on a standard ERP implementation.
Are you getting ready to implement a new ERP system? ASI is not only a Sage Development Partner and Sage 100 ERP reseller, but we are also able to assist you with your software implementation needs. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with all of your ERP implementation needs.
If you do not yet have an ERP solution and are looking for one, contact us to learn more about Sage 100 ERP (formerly Sage ERP MAS 90 / Sage ERP MAS 200).