Implementation of new solution in business sounds like a complicated process? We focus on tips that will make this project a lot easier

So you’ve decided to invest in purchasing an ERP solution for the business. You picked up the phone, meet with sales people, read reviews and have chosen a smart solution that you are convinced will serve your business needs perfectly. Now what? How to reach the next stage of implementing in shops, and how to ensure that the project will be completed in the best possible way?

There are many factors that contribute to successful implementation of smart ERP – from the conditions and the level of service provided by the supplier to an orderly planning of the project. We’ve compiled for you a flow chart to help you simplify the process and help you to monitor all stages.

1.Set clear the expectations. In many cases devoted to this important stage is the appropriate time. You do not want to find yourself deep in the process of deploying when suddenly popped up a demand that you thought it’s structured and negotiated. Before the start of the implementation process clearly define what are your business needs, what are your expectations from the process of implementation elaborated on the requirements that the supplier must meet in order to declare such a process completed successfully. Write everything in an orderly manner. Next, make sure that your contact person from provider understands your requirements and expectations. It is important that the process to be launched only after all parties understand the goals of integration from the perspective of the business.

2.Create an orderly and elegant project. The program will serve as a roadmap of the project, will contain the most important steps in the implementation process, will set tasks for each responsible party and will help to make sure that the assimilation of information is logic and in conformity. The actions, depending on the program implemented, will help to ensure that all parties involved (you, the relevant staff in your stores, cash registers supplier) are synchronized at each step, helping to anticipate problems and solve them when appropriate. Waiving this critical stage in an ongoing project means much more than expected, and often cost more, too.

3.Set contacts between you and carrier. Often the factor of decision in the purchase of ERP is the entity responsible for monitoring implementation. It is important to establish a good relation with the provider and on the other hand to ensure that the supplier puts you in contact with one of his representatives that will accompany the process. Your side person of contact must be a person with knowledge about the business needs and specific requirements of the solution purchased. It is also important to make sure that the contact vendor provides you in one hand technical knowledge and understanding of your needs on the other.

4.Keep the lines of communication open between all parties at all times. The complexity of project increases when more parties are involved in it. To ensure that the process of implementation in your business is flowing smoothly, it is important to ensure that all sides are updated constantly and everyone has an eye on the process. Set weekly status calls where you can sort things with your dealer and solving arising issues during implementation or monitoring problems in real time.

5.Remember the list of requirements that the supplier must meet in order to declare such a project successfully completed? Before you announce the completion of the implementation process return to list, pick section by section and check whether the ERP meet all the functional requirements you have set. Only if you marked V by each section, the process really ended.

6. Tracking. Implementing of the ERP ended satisfactorily? Excellent. Now we have to carefully examine the system and make sure that you select the right ERP for purchasing and is serving the needs of the business the best, in real time. Talk to your cashiers, try to figure out whether the new software meet their needs, whether are necessary upgrades, and pass the new requirements to your representative contact from the provider.

Installation of a new, full and total solution of an ERP does not have to be a complicated process. Using up-mentioned simple tips will ensure a successful and easy implementation.