WHAT IS AN ERP IMPLEMENTATION?



The ERP implementation process, phases, timeline, and complexity are largely based on variables such 

as the number of modules being deployed, customizations required, data conversion, and project 

management resources available. Let’s take a closer look at what an ERP implementation is and answer 

some frequently-asked questions about the process and various methods.


What are the Steps in ERP Implementation? 

  • Defining the scope of the implementation, project milestones, customizations needed, process maps, and expected results.
  • Analyzing the business requirements, installing the software in a “sandbox” environment, and configuring the system to match the necessary process workflow. 
  • Migrating and mapping data into the new system and performing verification checks.
  • Testing the system across all departments and consistently testing and running through the quote-to-cash cycle.
  • Training end users in their specific functional area based on roles and permissions. The “train the trainer” approach is widely used, whereby select users are trained on the system and then act as internal trainers.
  • Software deployment into the production environment, often referred to as the “go-live.” This will require extra man power to monitor the process and ensure a smooth transition.
  • Post go-live support and project review.

1. VENDORS :
Vendors are the people who develop ERP packages, they spent a huge amount of time and effort in research and development to create the package solution which flexible, easy to use, and efficient. ERP vendors spent a large amount of money so that they become experts to develop flexible ERP Package.

Roles of Vendors:

  • The vendors should supply product and its documentation as soon as the contract is signed.
  • Vendor is responsible to fix bugs that are found during implementation process.
  • Vendor also provides training to the company’s users and also to the people who are involved in implementation process.
  • Vendors take care of quality control factors while developing ERP.
  • Vendors participate in all phases of an implementation in which he gives advice, answers to all technical questions about product and technology.

2. CONSULTANTS :
Consultants are professional people who develop the different methods and techniques to deal with the implementation process and with the various problems that will help during implementation. They are experts in the field of Administration, management, and control activities.

They have experience that ensures successful implementation. The only limitation to Consultants is that they are expensive.

Roles of Consultants:

  • They have to make a plan to carry activities in the right direction during the implementation process.
  • They provide best optimum result such as reduction in cycle time, increased response time, improved productivity to satisfaction of customers.
  • They have to make ERP implementation for an organization as their own business.

3. END USERS :
End users are the people who use the ERP system once it has been developed. End-users are given training as to how to use various functions that are automated in the software.

Roles Of End Users: 

  • End users are the people who are doing functions that are automated by ERP System.
  • They analyze and provide suggestions where customization needs to take place.
  • They should be able to balance their loyalty to the client and project.
  • Consultant should create a knowledge base and train people so that knowledge stays in the organization when consultants leave the project.

Customisation:

Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) customizations have a much broader purview, and typically involve extensive software coding modifications to better fit the needs of the business. They’re far more labor intensive, and the margin for error is virtually nonexistent. Once you start making changes to the system, its a slippery slope towards moreHowever, when managed and done correctly, customized ERP systems can benefit the organization as a whole. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of customizing an ERP solution, and how to manage one.


How to Manage ERP Customization

A study by Panorama Consulting showed that 90% of ERP systems have at least minor customizations, while 36% have customizations that involve modifying over 50% of the code. Only 2% are completely customized or home grown. However, the landscape is clearly changing at an accelerated pace.