Has your ERP project veered off track? Maybe it’s taking far longer than you anticipated, or you’re already over budget. You might even be wondering if the software is still capable of meeting your needs. Regardless of your specific challenges, it may not be too late for an ERP implementation rescue.
Not all failing projects have to result in an ERP lawsuit. Things don’t have to get contentious or litigious if you can recognize the root of the issue and work swiftly to solve it.
ERP project recovery experts, like Panorama, can help you get your project back on track so you can realize all expected ERP business benefits. Based on our experience, we have compiled the following tips for identifying root causes and saving a struggling project:
5 Tips for Getting Your ERP Project Back on Track
1. Reexamine Your ERP Software
If the project feels strained, it could stem from the fact that you’re trying to force a solution that simply isn’t a good fit for your organization. This often happens when the project team doesn’t follow the right ERP selection methodology.
The right methodology ensures the ERP system you select aligns with your organizational goals. This methodology starts with understanding your pain points, uncovering inefficiencies and prioritizing improvements.
Did you start off on the wrong foot from the very beginning? Find out by taking an honest look at the platform you’re implementing and consider if a mismatch could be at the core of your current issues.
2. Evaluate Your Change Management Approach
Often, your ERP software will be the immediate suspect when your project goes off course. However, in many cases, software issues are merely a symptom of the real issue: inadequate change management.
Organizational change management is the process of preparing employees to embrace new processes and technology. It requires far more than an all-hands group training session in the conference room.
Rather, change management should begin at the start of your project. One of the tools we recommend using is a change readiness assessment, which analyzes the level of change your company can support in its current state.
Did you focus on change management early in your project? Did you use all the recommend change management tools? If your answer is no to either of these questions, you’re likely experiencing a significant amount of change resistance from employees.
To save your project you must develop a change management plan that equips employees with the tools and knowledge they need to get on board.
3. Evaluate Your Implementation Practices
Throughout your ERP project, there are various implementation best practices to follow. A few of the most important include:
- Ensuring strong project management
- Conducting ERP system testing
- Developing a data migration strategy
- Ensuring executive engagement
- Focusing on business process management
These practices aren’t nice-to-have strategies. They’re critical to the long-term success of your project and should be approached with thoughtful planning.
Consider executive engagement, for instance. Without the ongoing buy-in and support of your C-suite, even the best-planned ERP implementation can go awry.
To begin ERP project recovery, look at your ERP implementation project plan and identify any weak areas that need strengthening.
4. Engage a Third Party
It’s possible to get so close to your project that you miss the red flags right in front of your eyes. This is where a team of unbiased third-party consultants can help.
An independent set of eyes is essential for identifying the root causes of your project issues. It can be difficult to know where those are, and they’re often easier for an outsider to spot. Independent ERP consultants can review project documentation, make recommendations and help you quickly move forward with a new strategy.
Especially if you’re already falling behind on your timeline, it’s critical to reverse any wrong turns as quickly as possible.
ERP Project Recovery Case Study
Learn how we helped this organization recover from a delayed implementation and select a new system to meet its needs.
5. Keep What Works
When you’re in the throes of a sinking ERP implementation, it can be tempting to scratch the whole project and count your losses. However, this can leave you even further behind.
Simply trying to remove the ERP system will do nothing but derail future effectiveness. Instead of going this route, look at what’s working well, and find ways to maximize those efforts. In many cases, the right resources are likely inside the organization and can be refocused on the revived ERP implementation.
Need an ERP Implementation Rescue?
Is your ERP project teetering on the edge of a downfall? Whether your issues are operational, technical or people-related, we can help. We offer project recovery services designed to help your company identify high-risk areas in your current project plan and guide your efforts in a new direction. Contact us below to get in touch with our ERP consultants.
