What are the Critical Success Factors in ERP Implementation?
Tags: erp
Published: 2022-04-15 11:40:32

The right ERP helps businesses leverage untapped resources and foster meaningful results. Before making a big move of investing in new ERP software, project managers need to ensure that the entire organization understands and accepts the reasons and strategy behind the software move. 

“The single biggest failure point for ERP implementations is the need for change management.” **- Neville Turbet, Project Perfect**


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/094p7m3nqvocz8trcpey.png)

The [ERP implementation](https://www.optiproerp.com/blog/steps-for-successful-erp-implementation/) process is a business-driven initiative that has a lasting effect on the organization. Deloitte has identified some people-related ERP challenges that organizations face at every phase of ERP implementation and the steps to mitigate them. 


**1. Get everyone on board and make them understand the need for change**
Before beginning the ERP search, be clear on budget and the required resources, define the need for change and endorse the vision to your organizational staff. Let them know why this change is necessary.

**2. Make sure that someone’s removing the roadblocks** 
ERP implementation is a complicated process where you may face many issues due to miscommunications and mismanagement. So, make sure you begin on solid footing. The implementation cycle includes installing the software, moving business data onto it, user training, and more. An organization requires guidance from all levels of leadership to help remove barriers at each step to complete the project successfully.

**3. Understand the historical response to change and the established business culture**
Knowing what success, the business had with past changed-based projects can tell you the prevailing culture. If your staff does not respond positively to the change then it may result in a lack of project commitment and employee engagement. To alleviate the risk, it is important to include a detailed change management and communication plan that supports every ERP implementation phase.

**4. Make sure to establish clearly defined roles and structure the implementation plan**
Clarity is one of the major aspects in every organization which lessens confusion and makes project execution less complicated. A well-articulated project structure makes sure that all the tasks are addressed on time while allowing the team members to get their questions answered. Hold a kick-off session that focuses on answering employees’ questions and assigning tasks.

**5. Understand the resulting impacts from multiple perspectives**
Once the software is installed, the success of the project depends on how you understand and manage the business impacts after installation.  
- Make sure to understand how the roles and responsibilities of employees will change and how they will benefit from using the software 
- Effectively communicate changes to staff members and provide training materials 
- Work with executives so they fully understand the impact of the change

**6. Develop a tailored training program**
To help employees learn the functionality of the new ERP solution, training should start early, preferably before the implementation begins. 
- Assess the current computer skills of the employees so that you know what their requirements are before training in the new system 
- Prepare role-based training programs before the go-live date 
 

**7. Thoroughly plan and deliver best in class service post-go-live** 
- Prepare an implementation tool kit for supervisors 
- Provide onsite support for a couple of weeks after go-live 
- Plan for a regular meeting with the project team to stay on top of any issues


**Here is the list of factors that are important to the overall ERP implementation process:**
- Executive support: Your executive team should be on board as the ERP project begins. 
- Employee involvement: Your ERP implementation team should comprise your best employees, those who know every aspect of your company. 
- Clearly defined project scope: Define clear expectations upfront and document the scope of work after the ERP selection. 
- Plan to optimize business processes: Pre-configure the datasets and make sure to have visibility into the budget and deadlines. 
- Proactive change management: It’s crucial to train the organizational staff about the benefits ERP will offer them. 
- Project management tools: A fact-based implementation view, and a task-oriented report about the implementation process can help you avoid confusion by sending you notifications in real-time. 
- A partner that knows your industry: Working with a software partner who knows your industry in-depth is always preferable.
 

**ERP implementation with SAP Business One**
Here’s a list of questions you should ask your SAP Business One partner:
- What experience does the partner have? 
- Are there complementary solutions included and supported by the SAP partner? 
- What is included in the support agreement? 
- Is the support local or on-site? 
- What is the implementation methodology used? 
- What development capability does the SAP Business One partner offer? 
- What does the annual maintenance cost?
 

**Establishing your need for a new software system is the key to a successful implementation process. Define the scope of work to include:**
- SAP Business One modules that will be implemented 
- Functional areas of the business requirements 
- Hardware requirements 
- Data conversations to be included 
- Pricing: for maintenance, software implementation services, etc. 

SAP Business One offers you a great opportunity to take advantage of its full breadth of leading-edge functionality, powerful BI reports, analytics, dashboards, and mobility. 

[OptiProERP](https://www.optiproerp.com/) is SAP’s strategic partner for manufacturing and distribution. It is a modern platform, backed by industry expertise that provides: 
- Proven software deployment strategies, methodologies, and tools 
- Pre-defined implementation services, needs-based deployment 
- Implementation in as little as 30 days 

The implementation process does not end once your project goes live. You should stay updated on new features and resources as they become available. Implementing ERP is not always a tiring and traumatic experience. All you need is the right support, partner, and team that can provide a seamless experience.