Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system for the first time requires careful planning and adaptation. While the transition may present challenges, it offers significant rewards.
Effectively implemented, an ERP system synchronizes information, streamlines operations, and enhances communication and collaboration within the company, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.
Bista Solutions specializes in implementing business applications across Enterprise Resource Planning for its clients.
The following are the steps involved in the implementation of this software for any business.
Step 1: Planning and Organization
To do proper planning and organization, you need to follow these sub-steps:
Getting leadership support to buy
The executive team provides leadership, while the IT department ensures security, their support is crucial during ERP implementation.
Discussion on the importance of cloud ERP solution
Executives recognize the necessity of digital transformation. A modern ERP system ensures efficiency, scalability, and profitability by unifying departments, offering real-time data, and enabling seamless integration.
Highlight the ROI
Estimating the cost of implementing ERP includes licensing, training, and maintenance, balanced against benefits like reduced expenses and enhanced efficiency.
Communicate to leadership
A champion from the leadership team ensures regular communication, preparation, and problem resolution throughout ERP implementation.
Communicate clearly about the features and benefits
Communicating features and benefits facilitates smooth ERP implementation and job growth.
Time:
Plan for ERP implementation delays with buffer time and anticipate challenges.
Step 2: ERP System Selection
Defining requirements
There are 4 general areas within which the cloud ERP requirements fall:
- Essential
- Desirable
- Not an immediate need
- Nice to have
System selection
Selecting the right cloud ERP involves assessing pain points, budget, and hosting preferences with input from the implementation team.
Researching on options
Research ERP options for scalability, usability, functionality, and security. Schedule demos, assess support, seek advice, and read analyst reviews.
Step 3: Installation
The specific actions in this step vary based on the ERP deployment option chosen. For SaaS, no software installation is needed.
For private cloud or hybrid models, hardware and software installation occur over days to weeks.
Step 4: Data migration
After installing the chosen ERP system, company data undergoes filtering to eliminate errors and redundancy.
Basic records, such as customer and vendor files, are entered into the new database. Before Go Live, active transactional data is converted or migrated.
Step 5: Training
Subject Matter Experts, including IT and finance team members, undergo specialized training to become ERP software mentor’s post-implementation. Other users receive training on performing their respective roles within the system.
Step 6: Testing and Validation
This step entails crafting and executing a comprehensive testing plan to assess user acceptance and system fit.
IT resources validate software functionality and ensure migrated data accuracy, determining if modifications are necessary.
Step 7: Go live
There are 3 main options to go live:
- Big Bang
- Phased
- Parallel
Step 8: Ongoing improvements and feedback
ERP implementation extends beyond Go Live. Continuous gathering of user feedback allows for ongoing system improvements and adjustments, highlighting the importance of scalability in ERP solutions.
Odoo implementation can be an exceptional ERP system that prioritizes continual growth, regularly launching new versions with enhanced features and automation for more effective business management.