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Posted by Chris Garrity
In this post, we’re sharing a few best practices to put your team on the path to ERP implementation victory.
Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is a complex process, and it’s important to approach the project with some key tactics for success in mind. In this post by Terillium, US partner of Redfaire International, we share a few ideas on how to “win” with your implementation.
Most ERP consulting companies have a methodology. At Terillium, our team has developed a proven methodology over the course of 20+ years helping businesses implement ERP. A methodology is an essential framework that shapes an ERP implementation. The methodology provides structure and helps teams tackle the complexity of an implementation by dividing the work into manageable phases, workstreams, and tasks.
A methodology also helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project is on the same page. For example, at Terillium, all our consultants are full-time employees (versus outside contractors) and are trained on the same methodology. This provides much-needed consistency and stability, knowing no matter who is on the project – they will approach tasks using the same proven methods.
Our methodology includes more testing than most other system implementers. That’s because we’ve done enough of these projects to know you have to test, test, test. Functionality is all hypothetical until you test how it works.
From the beginning of the project, we focus on testing end-to-end business processes. It’s not enough to demonstrate individual transactions are working. Only when you can run a complete business process, from Quote to Cash, for example, have you proven that your ERP system can support your business requirements.
It’s important that technical and functional end-users of the ERP software are involved in the testing – testing shouldn’t be conducted solely by a third party.
Integrations are one area where, if neglected, can cause a lot of issues. The development of robust interfaces between third-party software and the ERP software requires coordination with external parties and involves the use of multiple applications and integration tools.
Involving all parties in the interface development is essential to keeping the integration effort on track. Setting realistic expectations and assigning clear responsibilities for every team member involved ensures efficient design, development and testing efforts.
The importance of frequent and clear communication during an ERP project can’t be stressed enough. Terillium’s project management approach includes many tactics for communication, including a proprietary ERP implementation project website where all key information and documentation is shared. We recommend defining a communication plan early-on in the project:
Terillium regularly shares a wealth of information on Oracle ERP on its blog. For extra resources relating to ERP selection & implementation, please see below:
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