Catch the CORD - Plan the Implementation.

Selecting an ERP system for your organization is one thing and seeing it implemented and reaping its fruits is a different thing and has to be managed. In my previous blogs we have seen some steps which will aid in the rightful selection of an ERP system for your enterprise. Let us now see some steps which need to be followed to ensure that the implementation is smooth and as per our standards and meets our requirements. Some key points are listed below, on consideration of these points we are sure to have a good implementation.

It is very important to let anything grow in your organization, if we take a real life example , we buy a new pet if we buy it as a new born the pet adopts to us very well and is a part of our family very soon, but on the contrary if we buy one which is bigger there is a time gap which has to be surpassed before we get comfortable with each other . So it is very important for us to let the ERP grow with us, we shouldn’t insist on a full grown system, the adaptability of the users takes time and we may end up not using it altogether , it may turn out to be a white elephant , consuming your resources, high maintenance costs and not giving much in return. Follow a step by step approach and see the ERP becoming an integral part of your organization. Going further ….

Define: The key word is and will always remain define your business process and your requirements. Chart out what you want the system to do . The involvement of your management is very necessary in this phase as this is where we will shape the system. An efficient involvement in this phase will avoid changes in future. The deliverables have to be clear.

Critical Aspects: It is absolutely important to focus in the critical aspects of your business. Sometimes we focus on not so critical parts of the business and end up in a situation where we have a good system , good implementation , but the system doesn’t address the basic requirements. Hence it is advisable that in the definition stage we mark out the mission critical requirements and focus more on them during implementation.

Ownership : Another critical aspect that business owners have to keep in mind and take care is about the ownership of you ERP initiative. There has to be an involvement and ownership from the Top management to make the implementation successful, involvement of key personnel can help in taking quick decisions and aid in smooth and speedy implementation.

Re-engineering : Some of your business processes may have to be re-engineered and tweaked to fit into the ERP , we should be open to the change and accept the challenges that the system may throw at us. Sometimes systems will not support a particular Business flow or costing method or documents, we must be open to adjust to the system and follow the process that is in the system.

Parallel Run : You should keep in mind the hitches that can come in the implementation and also consider that your users will take time to adapt to a new system. The user training and parallel run have to be thoroughly done so as to make your users comfortable on the new ERP system and ensure a smooth working once you are live. The parallel run phase may be a little frustrating for your users as their work load increases but it has to be done to ensure that you are getting what you want . The data from your old system has to be kept for reference purposes utilized in case any anomalies are found.

Implementation always remains the key to a successfully running system. The implementation team that we select should be well versed with the business processes of the industry which you belong to and should be experienced. The experience of the implementer will aid you in successfully covering the above mentioned points and ensure that you get the desired support to implement and run your ERP. Greytrix India Pvt Ltd has an expertise in this domain for more than 12 years now, being a Sage partner worldwide has given Greytrix a lot of experience in terms of best business practices followed across the globe and a hands on experience on Sage ACCPAC ERP and associated products. Greytrix Consultants have experience in several implementations and advise the clients of the best that can be got out from Sage ACCPAC ERP and what is the best suited for your business.
Let us consult you and help you in a successful implementation. Contact us at sales@greytrix.com / 022 67687847/ www.greytrix.in