Balance between technology and business. This must be the target in order to have a successful ERP implementation and actually bring good results to the company. These two subjects are often discussed, but separately. However, it is impossible to apply business strategies if the ERP is not working properly and, at the same time, it is not worth having a completely functional ERP without applying a business strategy that focuses on taking full advantage of the system. Which raises the question: how can you do an implementation focused on business? See the 5 following tips on how to implement an ERP focused on business:
1. Put the company’s needs first!
Some clients believe that the faster the implementation is, the better the cost-benefit analysis will be. Reducing the time and money invested in the project without considering the long-term implications and costs, can generate a direct impact in the system’s usage and the company’s results. In order to avoid these consequences, find the balance between costs aggregated to the implementation duration and the benefits of a project that meets all of your organization’s necessities.
Start by defining your company’s new processes.
Several companies completely abandon old processes and define their new processes based on the new ERP. However, by focusing on the new system’s basic functionalities, they end up automating the same old and ineffective processes. Go in the opposite direction! Define exactly how your processes should work and how they will bring more competitiveness to your business. Therefore, having a software that works according to your company’s operation.
3. Prepare your employees for the new ERP
Organizational change management involves much more than user training. Your project can be compromised and not achieve the expected objectives if you do not address the people side of change management. Although it is important to train the user, there are other aspects equally important, in order to ensure your employees’ adaptation to the new software and to deliver the estimated results to your business. Achieving this level of success requires evaluating the organization’s readiness, what kind of impact the implementation will have, encouraging discussions about the change, create an organizational communication plan and several other activities organized for the employees, with the intention of preparing them for the transition.
4. Perform usability tests!
Performing tests that aim at the user’s daily routine are as important as the ones regarding technical stability. Ensuring that technical settings, customizations and integrations work correctly is already a challenge. However, a product that is technically sound may not meet your business’ daily demands. Moreover, it is essential to choose a team that applies usability tests based on the processes defined by your organization. Therefore, your company can evaluate if they are in fact efficient and what adaptations must be made on the software, in order to provide the best user experience for your employees.
Focus on tangible results!
Focus your efforts, establish goals and develop a strategic plan aiming for measurable results. This is the best way to define your objectives and to know if you achieved them. Do not be afraid to adapt the system or the processes, in case your company did not get to the level of performance desired.
The main objective of an ERP implementation if improving the company’s operations and, consequently, contribute to its results. Moreover, it is very important to have a balance between the quality of the technology and the business strategy in this type of project. These two aspects should be aligned, to allow the project to improve the company’s performance to its maximum capacity.
Did you know that the Microsoft Dynamics AX is an ERP adaptable to several strategies?
The Dynamics AX is an ERP of fast implementation and adaptable to different business models. Having a good consulting company, ensures solid implementation technologically, as well as aligned to the company’s necessities. Do you want to know more about the Dynamics AX? Previously, we saw how it is a simple ERP and now it is worth to find out why it is also a robust ERP.
Have you ever thought about implementing technology focusing on business? Tell us what you think about this concept!