How Do We Plan For ERP Selection and Implementation?

Implementing an ERP solution doesn’t happen overnight. From an effective change management strategy to system and partner selection, there’s a lot that goes into the implementation. The proper planning and design — and knowing where to start — are vital to a successful process.

Chris Rossi: Implementing a new ERP system is a major capital project, that for many companies will take one to three years to execute from concept to final delivery. Like building a new production facility or office building, planning and design are critical. The first step is to obtain leadership buy-in and commitment, along with a clear vision for the project. This is often accomplished by clearly defining the business requirements and goals for the system and estimating the value of achieving those goals. Combined with estimated costs, this leads to a return on investment analysis that management can use to validate and prioritize the project. A clear roadmap that articulates the different phases of the project and the resources needed for each phase is also important. The next step is the actual selection, which can vary greatly in its complexity and duration based on company requirements, many old ERP systems are near end of life. While newer systems may not meet all of the functional requirements. So this phase can be challenging, particularly for complex businesses.

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