ERP System Implementation: What’s the Process?

August 28, 2019 | ERP Systems
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Implementation is one of the most important parts of optimizing your ERP, or enterprise resource planning system. This is where all of your hard work and research turns into a real-life system—one where every detail counts. In following the guidelines listed below and working with a team of professionals, like the experts at Decision Resources Inc., you can ensure your implementation process will be successful. 

ERP System Implementation: Laying the Groundwork

Even if you already know that an ERP will be a valuable addition to your operations, implementing that system calls for laying the groundwork early on, in order to build a strong foundation.

We suggest starting with a needs-assessment to evaluate your current processes. This will help you to see what can be adjusted. You will also need to establish key performance indicators, so you know what to look for when making changes in your workflow.

It is also essential to determine your specific system requirements. ERPs are robust, but not every user needs every feature. Focus on what is vital to your organization, especially any unique or must-have requirements.

Once you have your foundation set, it’s time to dive into researching the available systems, testing demos, and working with a consultant to help narrow the vast array of options into a more manageable list.

Implementing the ERP System

Once you’ve selected the best system for your business needs, you will be moving into the implementation phase. Now it’s time to rely on the expertise of your consultants.

At DRI, our Infor ERP implementation process is tailored to your organization and your objectives, no matter your industry, timeline, or budget. Your focus should not be on merely bringing your system online, but rather, optimizing your system implementation so that it perfectly meets all of your needs and requests. Following this deployment method guarantees a structured, reliable methodology that brings your ERP online without any surprises.

First, we confirm the objectives and scope of organizational needs and define the business requirements. We produce a high-level model of your processes, outline supporting requirements, train the project team, and arrange elements in order of priority.

Then we work on defining the project strategy, modeling a more detailed process, building a prototype, analyzing gaps, and otherwise filling in the details we sketched out in the first stage.

To complete construction of your specific ERP, we use the data and details gathered in the first two stages to configure the applications, design and implement custom extensions, rehearse data conversion, and test the system and its integration to ensure we can hit initial operational capability.

From there, we transition your organization over to the ERP and conduct further analysis focused on user acceptance, performance, and end-user training, as well as final data conversions. Finally, we optimize the system by monitoring and evaluating it, planning for the future, and ultimately, transitioning into a support role, so your ERP becomes your own. Whatever stage of implementation you’re at, we’re happy to discuss details and offer our expertise. Call our ERP implementation experts at 412-562-9660, email info@decision.com, or visit our website for more information

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