The preparation, configuration, customization, and deployment of an ERP system affect all areas of any organization, including production, human resources, supply chain and finance.
It is vital to consult the key stakeholders when implementing ERP systems and other digital tools to prepare the organization for the changes. Several elements influence the plan for an enterprise resource planning software deployment and timeline for implementation. Here are some factors to help decide which approach is best for enterprises across industries;
- Size of the business
- Number of outlets
- The complexity of company procedures
- Number of third-party programs
- Number of personnel
- Industry type and organizational structure
- Personalization
- Master and transactional data transfer
ERP installations can take a few months to years, depending on the chosen implementation strategy and the nature of business operations. The success relies on selecting the best ERP partners, creating an extensively researched project strategy, and appropriate resource allocations, irrespective of the completion date.
Every ERP deployment has three key pillars:
- Technology
- Process
- People
Most ERP installation failures result from poor resource management, planning, and risk management. Malfunctions can disrupt crucial business operations, which may overpower an IT team’s capacity for evaluating risks and making effective change management.
An awareness of the linkages between the three key pillars involved will determine ERP integration.
The implementation tactics are essential for effective ERP deployments.
You can choose from tested methods for switching or upgrading enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms: each has its pros and cons.
The outcome hinge on the stakeholders’ collaboration toward a common objective and desire for corporate success.
Let us look at four implementation techniques:
- Big Bang strategy
The ERP implementation strategy entails a company transitioning from its current outdated system to a revolutionary alternative all at once. The big-bang technique could lower the expenses of integration and involve a simultaneous transition to a new framework for everything.
A business sets a date for switching to the new system and must finish all integration work before going live. It includes system configuration, data organization, personnel training, and setup tasks. The big-bang method demands numerous resources to help with the transition, making businesses in some sectors hesitant to employ it.
Advantages
- Reduced installation timeframe
- Compared to alternative deployment strategies, it is a cheaper option.
- The roll-out occurs according to a scheduled go-live date,
- Users undergo training before the ERP system integration completion.
Disadvantages
- With the haste to modify the entire operation, it is easy to miss some details.
- Employees must familiarize themselves with the new system before the planned deployment date.
- Falling back to a previous system is not an option.
- A breakdown in one region might impact other parts of the system.
- Performance may decline upon deployment.
- Phased roll-out strategy:
In this method, the ERP system’s components deployment is one at a time, progressively substituting the previous system. For instance, a business with many locations may implement an updated ERP solution one place at a time.
The phased roll-out strategy has a negligible effect on the firm. Its primary benefit is providing users additional time to learn and adapt to a new system. It allows for gradually replacing outdated systems instead of a total overhaul. Depending on business units, system components, and geographical locations, it would help evaluate each deployment phase.
Advantages
- Insights the team learns during the initial phases are advantageous to future phased roll-outs.
- There is enough time for changes to the scheduled roll-out.
- Users have a longer duration to accustom themselves to the new system. The project implementation team practice practices the approach in preparation for later roll-out stages
- It is a systematic implementation strategy
- It has a lower risk.
Cons
- It involves continuous change across a longer time frame
- If necessary, returning to the past system becomes more challenging.
- Management must find solutions to problems during the implementation to enable the roll-out.
- Personnel experience work-related tiredness
- has an extended deployment period
- It delays system integration for the entire business process.
- Possibility of increased integration complexity
- Interface software would require more technological resources.
- The parallel adoption strategy
Involves running the older system with the newly installed one side by side for a period after the ERP deployment. The duration of both operating concurrently might be anywhere from a day up to weeks or a few months.
The Parallel adoption method has the benefit of offering an insurance policy if anything goes amiss. Business processes won’t be affected if the recently installed ERP system malfunctions. This method provides statistical comparisons which help verify that the new ERP system is carrying out the required functions. This approach works best in extremely important circumstances that cannot withstand a significant ERP system failure.
Advantages
- Reduces migration and data integrity problems
- The risk is medium.
- Helps consumers feel more confident using the new system
Disadvantages
- Data double-keying requires a lot of manual effort.
- More potential for error
- Increased likelihood of higher costs
- Hybrid Adoption Approach:
The method incorporates the three previous approaches: phased, big bang, and parallel implementation strategies.
Several hybrid tactics are used based on the business’s type and scale. Small to medium-sized businesses with limited locations often employ straightforward hybrid deployment tactics, but large companies may need more intricate deployment strategies for a successful ERP system integration.
Advantages
- Enhanced ERP implementation controls
- Medium risk
Disadvantages
- Execution is expensive
- A lengthy process
- It may jeopardize the complete integration outcome.
Tips for ERP Integration Strategies
The method of ERP adoption can be long; therefore, choosing the best technique is essential. All stakeholders will see a significant improvement in the business operations, ensuring a return on investment.
It is easier and faster to complete the process if you develop standard procedures in the industry. Most importantly, partner with an established and reputable firm for implementation.
A clear ERP implementation plan and communication method are critical for the project’s success. By doing so, the migration to advanced technologies will head in the correct direction and cut implementation expenses.
An ERP specialist will help you identify your unique system requirements and aid with customization to your company’s needs. They assist in identifying crucial features for company growth and guarantee ultimate system performance.