When you implement a new ERP system, it should be an exciting step for your company, not a source of additional apprehension, costs, and delays. However, if you don't carry out the process effectively, you could alienate your staff, suppliers, and customers, and even financially damage your company. Let's examine four of the most common ERP system implementation mistakes that businesses make, and how to avoid them:
1) Your New System Lacks Functionality And Flexibility
The Problem: Your ERP software won't be much use if it doesn't provide you with the tools and information that you need to meet your business goals. What's more, if it can't cope when you change your systems and processes, it will soon become obsolete.
The Solution: Develop a cohesive business plan for your ERP system. What features do you need to achieve your KPIs? How could changes to your business and the wider apparel industry affect your requirements in the future? Discuss these issues with the stakeholders and your chosen supplier, so everyone's on the same page – before implementing a new system.
2) Your ERP Software Doesn't Meet Its Users' Requirements
The Problem: An ERP solution should enable all your departments and supply chain partners to work together seamlessly. However, if you don't consider how your software will support each third-party user's processes, your project won't succeed.
The Solution: Involve all suppliers and supply chain partners in the process from the outset. Take the time to understand their systems, workflows, and specific needs. An off-the-shelf ERP package may not meet everyone's requirements, so consider working with a vendor that understands your sector and can customise their software to suit your company.
3) Your Project Is Taking Longer To Complete Than Planned
The Problem: Implementation delays can play havoc with your business plan, preventing you from hitting your targets on time. They can also result in unexpected budget increases, which could harm your bottom line.
The Solution: Make sure that someone is overseeing the implementation and that everyone else involved knows what they need to do and by when. Talk to key people, such as your IT team and department managers, to find out what is achievable for them before finalising your implementation action plan.
4) Your Staff And Suppliers Are Struggling To Use Your ERP Solution
The Problem: When you implement a new ERP system, your employees and suppliers will almost certainly need to make some changes to the way in which they work. This can be difficult for some people to cope with, and morale and productivity within your firm could suffer.
The Solution: Ensure that everyone knows why switching to an ERP system will be advantageous, both for them and for your firm. Keep them informed about developments and provide them with reassurance, as well as comprehensive training at the appropriate time.
Implementation Support, Project Management, And Training From Option Systems
At Option Systems we recognise how critical it is to implement new ERP software smoothly and efficiently, so can supply you with a customised modular version of our STYLEman ERP solution and an experienced project manager. We'll work with you to produce a personalised implementation plan so you can get everything up and running with ease. Please get in touch to find out more.
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