This post is primarily geared towards the implementation of large on-premises software packages, particularly Enterprise Resource Planning software (ERP), however some principles may apply more broadly to businesses of al sizes as well. Whether you are selecting an introductory accounting package, or purchasing a full integrated ERP system, be sure to adhere to the following five steps:
1. Prioritize the Implementation
In today’s age, it is possible to automate the majority of your business processes, and doing so can result in significant time and money savings. It is those businesses that rely on antiquated manual systems that are left behind as software is instrumental to a business’ success and should be prioritized.
All too often, decision makers come to the conclusion that new software would greatly aid their business, yet the software search or implementation is often given a lower priority than all other daily tasks, resulting in a stalled process. Each day delayed could be a day when a new system would be in use system that could save time in the future. Ensure full committal to finding and installing a new system to realize the benefits in a timely manner.
2. Do Not Avoid Necessary Expenditure
Everyone wants to save money. Aside from bringing in revenue, it is a decision maker’s job to reduce expenditure, when appropriate. However, it is also important not to sell the process short in trying to save a couple bucks.
Honest software vendors should always overestimate, rather than underestimate, implementation costs. This will reduce surprises down the road. Unfortunately, in practice, this is not always the case. Be sure you are comfortable with the estimation you have been given (less is not always better). Once the software implementation process has begun, it is important to see it through fully. Cost-cutting at this stage can lead to a poorly implemented system falling short its full potential.
3. Ensure All Important Data is Migrated
Cost-cutting may also occur in the data migration phase of implementation. This should be avoided in order for the new system to proper report on historical data. In many cases, the old system has a lack of reporting capabilities and a proper ERP system can lend new insight into historical business operations and trends.
4. Allow for Proper Training
A user-friendly system should not take a significant amount of time to become acquainted with but there is always a learning curve and it differs from person to person. Each employee should be given the amount of time required for them to become familiar with the system but training should not stop there. Time should also be put aside for more advanced training at a later date.
For example, 3-6 months after training, it is valuable to have a secondary training session to familiarize employees with more advanced operations within the software. Initially these functions may be overwhelming, but once employees have been using the system for a while they may find significant time-savings using them. Often these are the functions that made the system stand out in the first place, but all too often the basics are relied upon and the advanced functionality is never touched.
5. Choose and Rely on the Right Team
When you go about purchasing a new software system, an evaluation of the vendor’s team should have taken place. “Did they seem trustworthy? Do they understand my business? Will I receive personalized service?” There is something to be said about going with your gut on the team you are most comfortable with.
When the appropriate software/team combination has been selected, you should feel comfortable in relying on them to make suggestions for business process improvements. There are often significant benefits from altering business processes for efficiency as well as for the software to accommodate current processes. Resistance to change may have to be overcome at this stage but chances are the team you have selected is experienced in improving business operations and therefore can be trusted to make recommendations to greatly smooth out operations.
Although there are bound to be some hiccups along the way, adhering to these ERP software implementation guidelines should ensure a smooth and effective implementation.
Now that you’re ready to implement an ERP, you need to choose the right ERP for your business
Here’s an overview of the top five ERP solutions and inventory management software, all to make your company more efficient and profitable!
FinancialForce ERP
FinancialForce is the #1 ERP Solution on the Salesforce Platform that looks to help any customer-focused business to run the back office with enhanced reporting and analytics, and everything integrated into the Salesforce AppExchange.
Want to take FinancialForce ERP on the go?
Feel free to install FinancialForce PSA Timecards on your iPad, iPhone or Android
Or try FinancialForce PSA Expenses for iOS or Android.
Sign up for a free FinancialForce ERP demo and see for yourself!
Sellsy
Sellsy CRM Sales Management & ERP for Small Businesses does just that, taking care of your SMB, whether you grow it via eCommerce or brick and mortar. It’s the point of sale (POS) ERP for you.
Want to be able to manage your business from anywhere? Sellsy has one if the highest rated sales apps for iPad or iPhone. Plus it has a native Android app.
Go ahead and take the Sellsy application for a test drive!
Lettuce Apps
Lettuce Apps Simple Order and Inventory Management is another POS master for small business. It helps you close and track deals and inventory on the go with deep integrations with every SMB’s favorite apps like QuickBooks Online and Shopify and the biggest shipping brands like UPS, FedEx and USPS.
Monitor orders on and offline with the Lettuce iPad app.
Test out Lettuce Apps for yourself!
PackManager
PackManager Contract Packaging Software to Modernize and Grow Businesses offers some bold numbers like that the average customer sees an increase of 450 percent return on investment in the first three years of implementing it.
Want to manage your contract packaging from anywhere? Try PackManager’s iPad-optimized Mobile warehouse management system (WMS) and QCloud video testing, monitoring and analyzing integration partners.
Request a personal demo of PackManager today!
Netsuite
Netsuite Cloud-based Management Software Suite is one of the most integrated platforms online. With good reason as it is a full financial monitoring system that automatically can integrate with Netsuite’s CRM and eCommerce sites, offering larger, more complex businesses full looks at businesses that can be optimized.
The first ERP for your iPhone. This iOS7 app is rich with business control and data access.
Set up a free demo of Netsuite Cloud ERP now!
How best do YOU implement an ERP?