| Enterprise Resource Planning implementation can | | | | 8. Well before purchase find out about training and |
| be daunting at times. The good news is that the | | | | maintenance costs. |
| internet is a good source for informative articles | | | | 9. Look into aspects like expansion / up gradation |
| and tips on how you can implement ERP without | | | | possibilities. |
| trouble or heartache. | | | | 10. Take a close look at your business processes |
| Here are a few tips by ERP gurus: | | | | and determine the changes you may need to |
| 1. Create workable ERP implementation goals and | | | | implement to fit into the EPR software functions. |
| plan. Be smart and create a process that has | | | | 11. Before contracting with an ERP vendor do a |
| stages and involves all concerned at each stage. | | | | market survey to determine vendor’s |
| Test the ERP at every stage; this will smoothen | | | | stability. Find out how long the vendor has been in |
| out kinks when they are small. | | | | the ERP business and his performance. |
| 2. The ERP implementation should be a hands on | | | | 12. Ensure that the “return on |
| process for end users. Involve the employees | | | | investment” is in figures. Simulate the ERP |
| who will handle ERP process in both planning and | | | | suite and make calculations to verify figures. |
| execution. | | | | Never go buy promises that are not definite |
| 3. In case ERP is not in your skill set then get a | | | | numbers. |
| ERP consult who will work hand in hand with your | | | | 13. Ask about customization assistance from the |
| team. This will iron out the implementation process | | | | vendor. A good vendor must be willing to hold |
| and give insights. | | | | your hand through the ERP implementation |
| 4. Give training in ERP importance. Include training | | | | process. |
| costs in the ERP implementation budgets. A well | | | | 14. Get professional help in contract negotiations. |
| trained team means a lot especially when the | | | | Ensure that your interests are well protected. |
| organization is new to ERP systems. | | | | 15. Pay close attention to the ERP implementation, |
| 5. Tone down ERP ambitions to workable levels. | | | | quality of data, workflow. Track the process |
| Implement ERP in stages this will ensure returns | | | | during season and off season too. |
| on your investments. Teams often get carried | | | | It is important to use certified project managers |
| away and push for going all the way in one go. | | | | on your staff to handle ERP processes. ERP |
| 6. If you are using a ASP for your hosting model | | | | needs constant monitoring and human interaction |
| then think about aspects like cookie cutter | | | | from employees as well as leaders. Use the |
| solutions and customization options. | | | | expertise of the World Wide Web to learn all |
| 7. Be smart and choose an ERP that is industry | | | | about ERP so that you make knowledgeable |
| standards based. | | | | choices. |