5 Steps for a Successful ERP Implementation

Most businesses already realize they can benefit from ERP solutions. With advantages like consistent on-time delivery rates, lower material costs and heightened profitability, there’s no downside to investing in manufacturing software. However, some businesses are held back because they don’t know what steps to take when starting the process.

There are a series of steps manufacturers can take when implementing ERP software to ensure the implementation process runs as smoothly as possible and is a success.

1. Make sure you know what your business needs. Preparation is key, and it you haven’t done your research, you risk encountering problems later on. To ensure your ERP implementation is a success, figure out exactly what your business needs, the type of implementation that is the best fit, and how the vendors you’re considering meet those requirements. Simply looking at the pros and cons of different systems will help you more clearly see the benefits of one system compared to another.
2. Communicate with all the necessary teams. Don’t rely solely on one executive to make all the big decisions and neglect to consult other departments. Collaboration and communication are key when you’re making any major change, and this is especially true of new software implementations. Your finance or purchasing teams may be able to provide valuable insight the IT team cannot, which will help you make the best decisions for your company as a whole, rather than one or two departments. Another benefit of constant communication about the process is heightened morale. When teams are involved from the beginning, they’ll feel more involved and engaged, further enhancing the effectiveness of the launch.
3. Test continually. Implementing an ERP system won’t be a success without a little testing on your part. Even the most advanced systems take some getting used to, so don’t assume you’ll never run into a question or issue. Even though most problems can be resolved quickly, testing offers you peace of mind.
4. Get employees up to speed with proper training. You don’t want to fully launch your system if all staff members aren’t ready to work with it. When employees are pushed to start using a new program and aren’t sure exactly how it works, they may fail to use it correctly or not employ it at all. Host group training sessions and guarantee everyone has the information they need before officially making the switch to your chosen ERP solution.
5. Ask for support and maintenance when necessary. While the idea of having no-fuss ERP software sounds like a dream come true, sometimes you’ll need to ask for support or maintenance to ensure your solution is still working for your specific needs.