Four Crucial Stages of ERP Software Implementation life Cycle

Choosing a new ERP system is a consideration for any organization. Several case studies of companies show that finding the right implementation strategy for an important project will increase business success chances.

An ERP system is an integrated software suite that reaches corners of your organization, from accounting to manufacturing, inventory, and distribution, to gather and organize business data. Plan the work precisely, including stages from initial analysis to deployment and support.

Yet, there is a challenge in proper ERP system implementation and execution. There are several established business owners and newcomers who focus less on the execution of ideas. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the stages involved in successful ERP implementation.

The ERP Implementation Stages

An ERP implementation has four stages or phases. The process starts with deciding which product to buy and continues after the initial rollout of your chosen system.

Phase 1- ERP Planning and Discovery

A detailed plan will help you start the implementation process and keep you in the loop. A proper plan will help meet business objectives to ensure the use of an organization’s resources and reduce mistakes and errors because of false immediacy.

A project plan for an implementation process includes the following-

Stakeholders and Escalation Matrix
Scope of Work Agreed by Stakeholders
Identification of Business Resources
Schedule and Responsibilities
List of Deliverables Documented by Stakeholders
Contingency Plan
Groundwork for the Second Phase

As the plan gets executed, you have analyzed and estimated all that can happen in a project. However, planning is insufficient to ensure business success; hence, the second phase is ‘Execution.’

Phase 2- ERP Data Integration and Migration

ERP Data integration and migration is a complex step. There are automated systems that vary in their abilities to offer a smooth transition where vendors can help to an extent and ensure your data is clean and ready to go before you make any switch.

In times when regulatory bodies and breaches focus more on data privacy, security, due diligence concerns, and compliance are essential. And, if there are poorly executed data integrations and migrations, it can cause a project crash. Therefore, proper planning and execution is the key.

Analyze your organizational data with-

Testing legacy data
Data transfer
Mapping data to new database
Data verification
Testing new data inputs

To integrate your ERP system with these existing tools, choose the right vendor with the desired tools to let you implement APIs wherever needed. If the new ERP wants to connect with the CRM system, it is necessary to plan the integration well to minimize risks to business workflows.

Phase 3- ERP User Training

If people do not know how to use the ERP system or they feel afraid, it will fail. Therefore, poor training leads to poor adoption. Users have to get involved from the start of the ERP implementation process. It starts with educating them about the benefits to the business and their work. Also, evolve them into an ERP training plan. Communicating the change to the business owners is the first step. Next, define a training program for individuals, single-task types, and departments.

Many vendors provide end-user training because businesses can be different. Meet and work with them to supplement their things with your user training mix. Use the following tools to plan the ERP user training:

A knowledgeable management system
Video tutorials
Workshops according to user types
Super-users
ERP helpdesk support

Phase 4: ERP Testing and Go-Live Plan

ERP testing is the last and final phase of implementing an ERP system. Before you flip the switch, you should have a go-live plan. The ERP testing phase will help you eliminate issues. But if any of them are problematic to the business productivity, be ready for the delay. For minor ERP implementation issues, choose to go live and select an agile approach to solve them.

Testing should not be only available for super-users. Therefore, conduct testing under a load of high-volume users and select out-of-hours test activities for risk minimization.

Once you and your team are satisfied, it is time to see the magic happen. If handled well, your business will operate effectively. Also, evaluating the project’s success, reporting, training, and support are essential as the go-live date to ensure ERP implementation success.

Choose Indglobal Digital Private Limited to Implement Your ERP Software

With more than ten years of experience, the online development experts at Indglobal, the leading web development company in Bangalore, can manage your ERP software project, all thanks to a well-defined methodology based on three methods:

Implementation: Indglobal Digital Private Limited manages your ERP projects, from analysis to training and integration to deployment.
Consulting: With the consulting advantage, we are the top key player in transforming the digital industry.
Support: We are an expert organization that meets customers’ expectations and offers them management solutions at affordable prices.

For more queries on the four necessary stages of ERP implementation, feel free to meet the best ERP software developers in Bangalore at Indglobal and get your doubts clear.

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