8 tips for a successful ERP implementation

An ERP implementation is an exciting project, and naturally, you want to be as prepared as possible to make it a succes. 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. The project team usually 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. Carefully select your team

A well-assembled team greatly impacts the success of an implementation. At Cadran, we offer cognitive and personality testing for all team members before the project begins. This helps to confirm that the right people have been chosen and allows us to address any potential concerns early on.

3. Provide a crystal clear Change Management strategy.

Thinking through your change management approach before the project starts is critical. A clear change strategy encourages system adoption and ensures that ERP serves as a business accelerator rather than a hindrance. At Cadran, we can assist in developing this strategy.

4. Design using templates

An ERP system’s design typically starts with a standard template, which is then adjusted or expanded upon to better fit specific business processes. Organizing these adjustments and postponing additional changes until after the initial go-live can help you implement the system more quickly and see results sooner. Further optimizations can be added later.

5. Actively involve your team in the process

We involve your team from the early stages of design, providing demos and potential adjustments as the system develops. This approach allows your team to learn the system quickly and contribute valuable insights when needed, and it aids in developing relevant testing scenarios.

6. Testing, testing, testing

After the design phase, it’s time to test the system in an environment known as the System Integration Test (SIT). We use automated testing software to execute these scenarios, saving time, reducing errors, and ensuring an efficient testing process.

7. Provide clean data

Cadran provides templates for customers to submit their cleaned data. We recommend starting the data-cleaning process early to facilitate a smooth transition to the new system.

8. Maintain strong governance

A well-structured governance approach is essential for controlling time, costs, and quality throughout the project. We employ a structured Change Control Process and monthly reports that provide insights into each domain’s progress, schedule, team status, budget versus reality, and any risks along with proposed solutions.

If you’re seeking a successful ERP implementation, paying attention to these tips will make a difference. By following these steps, your organization can fully benefit from an efficient and successful rollout. While your organization is unique, ERP doesn’t have to be. With our expertise, we’re here to support a smooth implementation. Contact our team today to learn how we can assist with a successful ERP implementation.