ERP Diagnostic: Three Steps to Successful ERP
In this blog, we’ve written about a number of reasons for ERP challenges and failures. In fact, the most recent high-profile blunder is related to Waste Management’s attempted implementation of SAP (click here to read the related article). We all know that it’s usually the business, process, or people issues that contribute to ERP challenges, not the technology.
From the time selection starts all the way through implementation and post-go-live, there are three potential obstacles that make any ERP implementation tricky. First, you have to choose the right ERP software. This means finding one that is a strong fit with your company’s required functionality, ideally with minimal customization. Second, the ERP implementation has to go well. Detailed “to-be” business processes have to be well-defined and documented, the system has to be well tested, employees have to be trained in the new system in the context of their unique business processes, etc. Finally, a post-implementation audit needs to be performed to ensure ERP benefits are being realized to their full potential.
These three steps are much easier said than done, which is why readers may find it useful to take an online ERP diagnostic to see what you’re doing well and what you could be doing differently to make your ERP project successful. Whether you’re in the software selection, implementation, or post-implementation phase of your ERP project, this diagnostic may help. Click here to take the brief, 10-minute ERP diagnostic now.
loading...
About Eric Kimberling
After 15 years of ERP consulting at large firms including PricewaterhouseCoopers and SchlumbergerSema, Eric realized the need for an independent consulting firm that really understands ERP. He began his career as an ERP organizational change management consultant and eventually broadened his background to include implementation project management and software selection. Eric’s background includes extensive ERP software selection, ERP organizational change, and ERP implementation project management experience. Throughout his career, Eric has helped dozens of high-profile and global companies with their ERP initiatives, including Kodak, Samsonite, Coors, Duke Energy, and Lucent Technologies to name a few. In addition to extensive ERP experience, Eric has also helped clients with business process re-engineering, merger and acquisition integration, strategic planning, and six sigma. Eric holds an MBA from Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver.
