8 tips for a successful ERP implementation

An ERP implementation is an exciting project. Therefore, you want to do everything you can to prepare for it in the best possible way. Cadran has been doing ERP implementations for all kinds of companies for 25 years. As a result, we at Cadran understand better than anyone the importance of an effective ERP implementation. In this blog, we discuss eight tips for a successful ERP project. Using these tips, you can ensure that your organization manage an efficient and successful implementation.

1. Clear communication of strategic goals

Before the project starts, it is important that your company’s strategic goals are clearly communicated to all project members. A project team always includes both employees from your own organization, and consultants from your implementation partner. Making the right design choices for the system requires communication of strategic goals during the project. This allows the ERP system to contribute optimally to achieving your company’s strategic goals.

2. Think carefully about the composition of your team

A well-functioning team has a huge impact on a successful implementation. At Cadran, we therefore offer the opportunity to test all team members cognitively and personally. We aim to test team members before the beginning of a project. It helps to understand whether the right people have been selected for the project. In addition, we interact with each other to uncover any areas of concern beforehand.

3. Provide a crystal clear Change Management strategy.

It is important to think about the details of Change Management before you start. An effective Change Management strategy contributes to the adoption of the ERP system. At Cadran, we offer the service of creating a Business Change Management (BCM) strategy.

4. Design using templates

As a starting point we always use solution template, when designing an ERP system. The customer will then have to decide which “gaps” (configuration and/or customization) to accept. Here it is important to classify well and push as many changes as possible to a phase after go-live. This helps to go live faster and thus achieve faster results. Then we continue to build on optimizations.

5. Actively involve your team in the process

We actively involve our clients’ team in the design phase. From an early stage, you receive demos of solutions and possible solution directions for ‘gaps’. This allows you to get to know the system quickly and allows your team to participate in finding solution directions when needed. In addition, it helps in preparing test scenarios.

6. Testing, testing, testing

After the design phase, it is time for the System Integration Test (SIT), also called the Conference Room Pilot. During this phase, the previously prepared test scenarios are executed. For this, we use automated test software. After setting up this software once, the system can be tested fully automatically. And if any changes occur after testing, there is no need to retest manually. This makes testing fast and efficient.

7. Provide clean data

Cadran sends templates in which the client will need to provide its clean data. We recommend starting early to clean up the data for the sake of a successful migration. If desired, we can help with the cleanup.

8. Maintain tight governance

During the project, tight governance is vital. This helps to keep the time effort and costs under control, while delivering the project with the right quality. We use a standard governance structure here, equipped with a Change Control Process and monthly reporting. This reports the status of business domains, the status of technical domains, planning, team health, budget versus actuals, and other risks and mitigations.

If you are looking for a successful ERP implementation, it is important to pay attention to all of these tips. By following these steps, you can ensure that your organization reaps the benefits of an efficient and successful implementation. Eventhough your organisation is unique, ERP is not. Using our knowledge and experience, we guide you through a successful implementation. Contact our team today and find out how we can help you optimize your business processes with a successful ERP implementation.

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It is important to choose an ERP system that fits your organization. If you are looking for help with this choice, please contact us.