ERP or Enterprise Resource Planning systems might seem an overly complicated solution for your business. ERP implementation myths have gotten so widespread, just the thought of possible challenges stops some companies from even considering getting one.
Thanks to the disarray of available information this is a common perception. But common isn’t necessarily right. There’s one thing everyone agrees with, though. The benefits of having an up and running ERP system cannot be denied.
These benefits boost an organization to the forefront of the industry. It gives companies a competitive advantage from efficient workflows, integrating data and communication between all departments, decreasing the probability of making mistakes.
It can also forecast future outcomes, changes, and shifts in the environment, improve productivity while cutting costs by identifying the redundant functions. A company gets more flexible and efficient with the use of ERP.
So, is implementing an ERP system worth it?
Sounds familiar? In this 2-part blog, we’re going to bust these myths and show you why there is absolutely no reason not to get onboard with ERP.
Among the processes of ERP implementation, the real, tangible work starts with Data Migration. For an ERP system to work as intended and accurately, the data given must be correct. Expecting the right forecast with incorrect or incomplete data is a sure cause of failure. To put it into perspective, data is the blood of an ERP system.
It is true to a certain extent that data migration complications can cause implementation failure. There are initial challenges like making sure the data input, master records, historical and live data is credible, relevant, and clean.
Another challenge in the data migration phase is not feeding enough data to the target system by not creating enough data points through the business functions. This will essentially lead to the ERP’s disfunction, causing time loss in debugging and correcting the software.
Still, you could avoid all these challenges through thorough strategic planning, developing a strategy supported by data standards, analysing and reviewing data, and most importantly, assigning the whole implementation process to the right experts.
An experienced and competent team makes all the difference in a smooth implementation. With their guidance, the whole migration of data becomes stress-free, clear and straightforward.
Complicated – BUSTED.
You are installing the software with the primary goal of boosting the company’s productivity. But productivity is only as good as the employees’ performance.
As with any new technology adoption, there will be a learning curve. That is why training is a must for the company, and any responsible ERP implementation partner will build it into your implementation process.
Business owners and managers often fear that ERP implementation disrupts the workflow as employee training takes a long time. To counter this, implementation partners typically develop a comprehensive yet time-efficient training plan.
There are several methods to conduct end-user trainings. These are the Instructor-led Training (ILT) Method, Self-Learning Method, Job-based Method, or through software simulations. ILT is the most common and efficient approach as part of a strategic training plan.
In deploying the ILT method, consider to train employee users on functions directly related to their field of work instead of a generic, organization-wide session. This would cut down time wasted on unnecessary training with no benefit to the individual trainees.
Start the training process early with software simulation, use daily break times to train, and employ experienced professionals of the same line of work to mentor the employees.
Essentially, developing an effective training plan allows you to significantly reduce or even eliminate disruption to your business during the implementation. Through an innovative, personalized training program using mixture of methods and incorporating other strategies, you can train employees to use an ERP without disturbing their regular job activities.
Business Disruption – BUSTED.
Complication and business disruption out of the way, stay tuned as we break down the other ERP implementation myths in Part II coming your way soon!
Want to know what ERP can do for your company?
CRT Insights Technologies not only provides world-class ERP solutions but also expert advice from experienced regional consultants. Contact us and quote “Live-in-5” for a free 1-hour consultation on your ERP needs today!
This article is part of a campaign for CRT Insights Technologies’ Live-in-5 Rapid ERP Implementation programme. 5 Easy steps to get you future ready.
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