Implementing a sophisticated ERP solution is not something to be taken lightly. There are many steps involved and it’s essential that each one is done right. Sometimes, change management can be a bit challenging and knowing what to expect up front can help with the resistance to change. Below are the basic steps of an ERP implementation.

STEP ONE – PROJECT KICK-OFF

Your project will be assigned with a project manager and a lead consultant who will manage the implementation from end to end. You will receive some documents outlining your responsibilities. For example:

Your Responsibilities

• Appoint an internal Project Manager and Super User.
• Commit resources (people)
• Preparedness to modify or adapt some business processes.
• ‘Change Management’ including informing staff of upcoming changes, training, timing and dealing with any resistance to change.
• Provide consultant with clear requirements in respect of business forms i.e. invoices etc. and reports
• Provide a list of users and their required access
• Commitment to training
• Documentation of business processes
• Pilot testing

STEP TWO: SCOPING AND REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS

This includes:

• Assessing server and workstation compatibility
• Configuration surveys
• Project plan confirmation – critical success factors defined
• Process workflows – business process reviews and configuration review

STEP THREE: BUSINESS MODELING & DESIGN

• Installation of software and connections (for on-premise solutions)
• Migration of data including customer, vendor and item master files
• Configure prototype and test system ready for super-user training
• Procedure development and documentation.

STEP FOUR: SYSTEM TAILORING

• Forms and reports customisation
• Custom applications if applicable
• Refine the prototype

STEP FIVE: PILOT

• Training of super-users – this step is critical
• Testing scripts for pilot testings
• Super-users conduct pilot testing
• Address and resolve any discrepancies from pilot testing

STEP SIX: PREPARATION

• Super-user training and testing sign off (system and environment fit for purpose)
• End-user training
• Cut over plan – agreed and go-live readiness meeting
• Live system – master data setup and ready for opening balances

STEP SEVEN: GO-LIVE

• Opening balances signed off prior to live transactions being processed
• Live system processing – go live
• Go-live handholding

STEP EIGHT: POST IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW

• First-month end support
• Implementation review
• Support handover – implementation signed off and site handover to support.

Depending on the complexity of your business an ERP implementation can take up to 3 months or more to complete. Momentum have many years’ experience in implementing ERP software and can help you take your business to the next level. If you would like a free business review or a demonstration of our ERP solution, call us on 07 5479 1877 or get in touch here.