Upgrading your ERP

Are you thinking of an ERP upgrade? Does this keep you up at night?

By Bob Sugar & Laurie Mosse – Feb 5, 2019

Overview

Choosing and implementing a new ERP requires a lot of time and attention. Many companies prefer to manage this process internally. The project will have several distinct phases.  It must begin with a complete evaluation and documentation of the existing process. Once completed management will use it to review its current procedures and effect adjustments where warranted. This document can then be used to provide information to prospective ERP vendors allowing them to create targeted demos of their respective products, which will provide management with the best look at the strengths of each of the software alternatives, enabling a more informed decision. It will also help to deliver a more efficient implementation.

 

Step 1

Analysis & documentation

This step involves a complete, critical examination of existing procedures and processes to determine where and how improvements can be made. At this point, it is essential to decide whether or not it would be best to do this using internal resources or look to outside professionals to manage the project. Given the multiple uses of this documentation, it is critical that it is comprehensive in its development, accurate in its assessment and thoroughly reviewed by management to ensure that its component structure reflects the most efficient manner of operation management and its key staff feel will best serve the organization.

In-House

Pros

• Project Manager (PM) requires no procedural learning curve;
• PM may already have ideas for improving the existing system;
• PM will bring very little if any incremental cost;

Cons

• Diverts attention from their primary function;
• Provides a less critical view of existing processes;
• Negative impact on daily duties;
• Delays in project completion
• Final product results may be affected;

 

Consultant

Pros

• Project related experience and expertise;
• No diversion from primary company function;
• ERP software experience
• A critical, unbiased view of existing processes
• Less risk of project delays
• Complete attention to the project completion

Cons

• Additional investment to project¹
• Company process learning curve²

¹A shorter, more focused implementation will mitigate financing

²The learning curve is a by-product of the crucial documentation phase, not requiring additional time and cost.

 

Step 2

Choosing an ERP solution

Some research is required to identify ERP vendors most suitable to the company’s industry and specific needs. Potential vendors will be shortlisted and asked to provide a product demo for evaluation.

 

The procedural documentation provides potential ERP providers a window into your operation with detail they can use to demonstrate how their solution can be tailored to your specific needs. The documentation allows you to fully review and understand the existing procedures and processes and opens your eyes to potential improvements. This knowledge will help you to choose the most appropriate vendor solution for your business.

 

 

Step 3

Implementation and training

Once selected, the ERP application must be implemented. Every aspect of this complex application must be implemented and tested for accuracy and performance. All personnel must be thoroughly trained to ensure a seamless transition and efficient ongoing usage.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

As daunting as this process may seem, a well thought out plan, attention to detail and focus on the task can reduce errors and bring home a quality product. The advantages of new, more efficient technology implemented with the precision of a finely engineered plan will provide operational benefits that increase the efficiency of staff and management and improve your bottom line.

 

 

The RSMS solution

That is where we come in. The principals at RSMS understand the importance of each step in the process and how each is tied into the other. We are also laser-focused on completing the task in the shortest time possible, with the least amount of disruption to the day to day operation. We invite you to contact us at 844-708-3555 to arrange a meeting. It will be our pleasure to explain our methodology and why this call may be the best decision you make. Please click hereto view the RSMS website