ERP Implementation Methodology: The Seven Step Approach

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ERP Implementation Methodology: The Seven Step Approach

Implementing an enterprise resource planning software is not as simple as purchasing the programme and installing it. There are several factors to consider beyond installation. You will be required to transfer various data to the software and train your workforce on how to use the software and adapt to any operational changes brought on by the implementation of an enterprise resource planning system.

There are different ways of implementing an ERP system and the best methodology for you may not work for another organisation in the same industry. The type and size of the business, type of ERP software, and the willingness of the leadership and workforce to adapt to the integration of new technologies must be factored in when developing an implementation strategy.

The seven step approach is one such implementation methodology you may have come across when developing a strategy that best suits your organisation.

ERP Implementation Methodology: The Seven Step Approach | M.SaaS

ERP Implementation Methodology: The Seven Step Approach

  1. Planning
  2. Analysis
  3. Organisation
  4. Installation
  5. Training
  6. Testing
  7. Go live

01. Planning

Before you can implement a cloud ERP system, you must take time for project planning. This starts with selecting a project team, which consists of a project manager, application analyst, application developer, and quality assurance test engineer. While these are the key roles to be filled in a project team, there may be other personnel you want to include as well.

When putting together a team, you may consider hiring certain key personnel like consultants or NetSuite implementation partners depending on the resources you have on site. Once you have decided on your team, it is time to consider other aspects of the project, for instance budgets, timelines, and responsibilities.

02. Analysis

Implementing an enterprise resource planning software or a customer relationship management programme is a project that has several elements to it. It is thus important to analyse the process and fully understand the various components.

During this stage of the implementation methodology, the project team can put together specifications that can be used as a template. This analysis or management plan can look at implementation costs and budget, data migration, training the ERP user base, and testing the software.

03. Organisation

The analysis of the project must be suited to the cloud ERP system, optimising the workflow to suit the organisation and available resources. This step can include forecasting implementation costs and preparing a budget so that you have a clear idea of how much the project will cost and how to stay within the budget.

Going over budget can cause a strain to the business and cause problems during implementation and maintenance. This step of the ERP implementation methodology is thus crucial.

04. Installation

After the project team has been appointed and the process has been analysed and organised, the organisation must then start the implementation process. This is the fourth step of the implementation methodology and is often the one most organisations focus on.

However, steps like data migration, interface customisation, and the setting up of users rely heavily on the first three steps of the methodology, which is why it is important that organisations choose NetSuite implementation partners whether it is for a cloud ERP system or CRM for e-commerce.

An implementation partner can lend their support when the software is installed in a test environment.

05. Training

If you have opted for Singapore enterprise resource planning software like NetSuite, which many claim is the best cloud ERP software, you can connect with a NetSuite partner in Singapore, who will train the project team on the software, implementation and usage.

This training is vital as the project team will be required to train different departments on how to use the software to increase efficiency within the organisation.

Depending on your NetSuite partner in Sri Lanka, your method of training may differ. There are two key ways of training; in-person training and e-learning. They both have their pros and cons.

06. Testing

You may have the best cloud ERP solution, but testing is still required. Testing should be extensive in order to reduce the number of issues that surface once the software goes live. At this stage, it is also important to plan and initiate all go-live activities.

07. Go live

It is finally time to go live with the implementation of an enterprise resource planning software. Whether it is a customer relationship management or enterprise resource planning software, improvements can be made after going live and it is also important to evaluate how successful the implementation strategy and methodology was after you go live.