Don’t Let Your ERP Implementation Fail (Cont.) – Having the Right Project Methodology

In last week’s post, we discussed the reasons implementations are challenged or fail, and why having the right consultant and the right software is crucial to implementing an ERP solution successfully. We also touched on the steps involved in effective project methodology. You are at a point in your company lifecycle where your needs, goals, and future requirements are known and taken into consideration. Once you hit this point, you are one step closer to bringing your new system to life.

Being that SAP Business One is such an extensible solution; any specific business processes that you run get thrown into the mix, and Business One is configured to fit your situation specifically. At this point in the implementation process, data gets imported, your system comes to life, and testing begins.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. “Testing, great. This is going to take forever & be a big pain.” Despite common misconceptions, testing in an SAP Business One environment can be accomplished in a relatively short amount of time. As long as the key resources in your organization make the time to detail their requirements and you have a proficient consultant, it can be smooth and easy sailing. In fact, many firms are brought live in a matter of a few weeks! Because the steps taken during Third Wave’s Project Methodology directly address your industry challenges, wants, and needs, it is easy to develop a plan around that. The steps taken to uncover your requirements and information needed to produce a solution that solves those needs position your organization for future growth.

The initial project launch happens when the roles of all parties involved in the implementation are defined. By spelling out who is responsible for what, you can then determine a project plan and timeline of events to take place. At this point, the plan is in action and you’ll be able to get a first-hand look and feel for what the software looks like on a test database. Now, your consultant can configure the test system and load necessary data (Business Partners, Inventory Codes, Item Master Data, General Ledger) so that it meets all of your requirements. By developing processes and standard operating procedures that will be followed throughout the implementation cycle, the stage is set for how things get accomplished along the way. As long as any necessary modifications are made, all success indicators are tested, and everything (data and reports) is set up, the testing phase can begin. Once everything checks out in the test environment, you can take the system live.

You’re probably wondering what the benefits of following the above process are and why Third Wave’s process is more efficient than others. Unlike a lot of other project plans, Third Wave leadership allows you to shift your organizational focus from order processing and inventory control to lead generation and building brand recognition. Any past issues that may have held you back are now automated, shortening the supply chain and improving cash flow through error-free processes. By reducing the burden of manual data, you have time freed up to ensure sales support can commit to delivery, processing orders, generating invoices, and expediting collections. Ultimately, you will experience scaled up sales and improved overall profit margins.

To learn more about how to position your organization for future growth and success through a successful implementation process, remember that having the right consultant is just as important as having the right software. Contact us at Third Wave Business Systems and learn more about your options to do just this.