10 pieces of advice when implementing or upgrading ERP

Most ERP-projects ends well, but there is no one who has only had clean days of sunshine along the way - and this is where the ERP partner's strength and ability really matters. Many projects have "developed" in both scope and implementation time. Most often, this is due to the fact that knowledge is gained in a project and new opportunities for gain are identified. And that's good! However, there are also projects where a slightly different focus could benefit from dribbling the project even better to the finish line.

Read on and learn:

• 10 good advice on how to handle the implementation phase of a new ERP-system
• which ERP system and implementation model there fits your business
• how ERP-software gains your business

1) Knowledge within the company's industry
Select ERP partner with specific knowledge within the field of the business before choosing ERP system.

2) Avoid coding
Avoid encoding functionality that can be purchased in standard tools.

3) Adapt to your business model
Adapt to the company's business model. Don't buy it with "we start with 100% standard" without there being a plan (and a budget) for the further course.

4) Be aware of 'agile'
Agilt can mean "too dynamic" and can be abused in projects where you might "think" that you work agile without doing so.

5) Cloud or no Cloud?
Cloud or not? It is not an easy question, but it is important to understand that "life on the ground" must also work (eg. printers, label machines, on-premise systems)

6) Digital transformation
Digital transformation requires integration. Often between many systems and processes. Most preferably without a lot of coding - because then it is easier to maintain.

7) Be aware of 'fixed price' and 'fixed scopes'
Fixed prices only apply to "fixed scopes". Therefore, new knowledge and new recognitions cannot be handled at a fixed price. NB: There is nothing called "fixed scopes".

8) Consider the output with a new ERP system
Focus on the "output" of the ERP system early in the process. The output is the interfaces and business documents that the customers see. They just have to be perfect. Your customers are basically uninterested in your new ERP system version XYZ.

9) Spend time on testing
Set internal time for tests. It doesn't make much sense not to have allocated enough time for this part. You got time!

On the other hand, if this part is not planned, it can lead to panic, overtime, budgetary delays and burnt out employees. Your ERP supplier and Output Management supplier can help and have experience with this part - but you have to carry out these tests yourself.

10) Standard software is the solution
Use standard software and "Best of Breed". It is perhaps cheap, but not smart to use an ERP provider's home-coded solution for something like time registration, data / document integration or bank transfers. You will depend on this ERP provider, regardless of whether the rest of the delivery is better handled by another in the future.

Apply ISV solutions

Due to the technological advancement, it is easier to implement ISV solution to the overall ERP solution, which can lead to more value addition to the overall ERP solution. ISV solutions are particularly popular, due to the different IT-systems/solutions are built for the specific purpose. It can be wise to use ISV solution for specific business areas to get the full yield of the overall ERP-solution.

The limitations of ERP

ERP-systems has its limitations, and that is particularly evident in the output parts (document management):

• Output often requires many consulting hours for external programmers.
• Output is more complex than many expects, and therefore it becomes underestimated.
• This results in more expensive and inferior solutions.

This can be avoided by incorporating a special focus on output management in the ERP project with an ISV-solution as Lasernet. Here, all business logic stays in the ERP system, so when the ERP-system is upgraded, the documents are maintained. Do you want to read more about, how you can avoid the hidden expenses of ERP, then click here.

What is ERP-software?

ERP is an abbreviation for “Enterprise Resource Planning” and acts as an administrative software program, that tracks a company's business interactions across departments. When you choose ERP software, you can advantageously complement your overall ERP solution with an ISV partner that adds even more business value to the customer.

ERP - everything in 1 system

ERP software gathers all the company's work processes in one system – The ERP system – regardless of the operational program. The software optimize the manual work processes, as the technology enables exchange of data and simplifies it. Present day ERP software can be accessed online. Your employees have full access to company data, no matter their location. ERP can also gather administrative tasks, provide quick overview and for the foundation of the decision-making based on data. With ERP software you get:

• Easier data sharing
• Increased mobility
• Better overview/basis for decisions
• Optimized internal work processes