ERP Implementation Steps

The very first step in the implementation of ERP is to identify that why you need ERP system in your business. The purpose of having such software will let you set the appropriate goals and objectives for your business. ERP improves business performance, increases work efficiency, amplifies productivity, provides data security and controls cost.

The next step is the evaluation of the scope of ERP Implementation. Every business has different requirements and ways of running things. Different ERP solutions are optimized for various functionalities. It is advisable to first evaluate the ERP based on their standard feature list and then find the right fit to your business. Knowing the exact scope of problem will allow you to choose the right ERP software for your company which can be implemented with minimum customizations, which can eventually reduce the project cost and increase the ROI of ERP Implementation project.

Once you have selected your desired ERP solutions you need to bring changes to your present set of employees by training them to adapt to new ways of working. Choosing an ERP software solution is not enough if the workforce is not aware on how to use the ERP software. Thus it is essential to train the manpower in the organization to get rid of old and traditional methods of doing business operations. Change management is really a task where management needs to get involved. Some users may need to be forced to use ERP Software while others may need proper hand holding for getting used to new ERP Software. We at FinByz believe training ensures the success of implementation.

Customization of ERP means adapting the service to your own needs. As every business operates on different sets of rules, one needs to opt for the options that they have used for or may be of any benefit in the future as everything comes with a cost. Industry specific ERP are the commonly used ones these days. Rather than changing your business process according to the software, the company may choose to customize the software as per your methods. Finbyz provides ERP software customization service to ensure smooth transition to ERP Software.

Instead of rushing into the implementation and then facing the errors later, it is always beneficial to test the software first. Acceptance at all ends in the organization is an important factor. ERP Software must pass through various tests and should be run in different situations to find out any kind of bugs or errors in it. Specifically, customizations done as per company’s requirement have potential of creating unexpected errors on other well tested functionalities of ERP. As this solution is helpful in a longer run, every small detail should be checked before it is used by all employees of the business. This step helps in finding out other problems that organization may face in the future while using ERP, and eliminating it before it goes live.

After the ERP software has successfully passed through the above stages the only step left in the implementation is going live with all the transactions processed through ERP. By now each department should have hands on experience of using ERP functionalities relevant to them. Now it’s time to do opening entries of accounts and inventory. Post this date all the accounting and inventory related transactions must pass through ERP system. Management should enforce the utilization of systems by continuous monitoring of key reports of accounts and inventory.

Feedback is the most efficient form of communication in the organizations. After the implementation of ERP is successful, getting routine feedback makes it even easier for the business. It is important to align the real outcome with the goals that were set in the beginning of the implementation process. As ultimately ERP is a technology, so it needs the updates and upgrades. While upgrades bring more features but with that there also some issues or glitches from time to time. Business should have a strong ERP implementer team to oversee these upgrades and issues for efficiently.

Conclusion

In a world of diverse data and different structures of organization, ERP becomes a necessary element. So it should be implemented carefully by keeping in mind all the possible expectations and needs of your business. A clear idea on what you desire to achieve from this ERP Implementation will help you generate positive ROI faster. Proper implementation will lead to a successful achievement of business goals and vision.