Most of us have lived through times when technology was not that important to stay ahead of the curve. But now, nothing seems more exciting, convenient and easy without technology. The rapid pace at which we are progressing is the reason why many decision-makers are modernizing their legacy software.
If you blink, you might miss it. This is the pace and momentum at which competition is entering the market. Chances are, your organization has already contemplated about SAP Business One. But, are you removing the impediments to successful ERP implementations? Are you making the right move?
The major setback to successful ERP implementations is resistance to change, shifting business processes and not technological complexity that we used to perceive. Let’s evaluate the major mistakes we tend to make when deploying an ERP system. This also covers suggestions as to how you can avoid making costly errors.
1. Bosses don’t use ERP, Employees do
We know how critical and expensive an ERP software rollout can be for a company. It involves significant transformation and senior management should be involved from day one. Engaging key stakeholders and C-suite professionals from the beginning of the project and stating them the benefits of ERP in detail is the key to success for the project. Lack of organization readiness is often observed as one of the most important factors that lead to ERP implementation failure.
2. Investment Decisions are made only by Senior Management
ERP, by and large, involves a huge investment. Therefore end users of the system such as those from finance, operations, manufacturing, admin, warehouse, sales and procurement must be engaged from the beginning. Engaging end-users across the entire organization ensures everyone is on the same page.
3. on-cloud or on-premise? How does it matter; We are getting ERP Anyways!
There are various factors that one needs to evaluate regarding on-premise and cloud-based ERP solutions. Cloud ERP goes by pay-as-you-go model which means you pay for the specific cost for the product or services instead of paying it all in one go.. Cloud ERP also mitigates the hassle of investing in large servers and maintenance costs. The cloud model also comes with benefits like auto upgrades and scalability. However, the on-premise solution also has varied benefits that must be carefully evaluated.
4. The More the Features, The Better the Performance
Features are important, but should they be the center of everything? It is tempting to rest your choice on an ERP that is packed with features and functionalities. The best approach is to find the best ERP partner and evaluate his customer success stories, successful deployment, experience, level of partnership and customer support. The tendency to grab the latest and shining technology is often observed as the major downside.
5. Technology Oriented Business – Good Term Only for Marketing
Often, businesses look only at the technology perspective to bring the best out of an ERP. But, it is equally important to factor in change management as the core strategy. It is imperative to inculcate the need of having an ERP in the workplace to bring everything on the same page and prepared to use smart and intelligent software.
6. A Generic ERP will do the Job
Every industry has unique business needs and to meet its unique business demands, you need the support of a partner that can help you with various add-ons specially designed for the business. There are companies like Uneecops which offer 12+ industry-specific add-ons to meet the exact needs of your business. Whether it is education, pharma, packaging or so, you can ask your ERP partner for the industry-specific add-ons which may be a better fit for your business.
7. All ERP Providers are Reliable; No Need for Verification
Choosing the right vendor is critical for a successful ERP implementation. Be prepared to get rough estimates about TCO and ROI of implementing an ERP. Discuss in detail the roadmap, SLAs and gain references from other partners who have hired them. You can also verify the relevant expertise servicing your specific industry. Whether you are a drug manufacturer or own a packaging business, ensure your partner has learned thoroughly about your requirements from technology and business perspectives.
Unrealistic timelines, poor project management, resistance to change, and few more reasons discussed above are the major setback to successful ERP implementations. SAP Business One is considered to be an ideal ERP for all leading businesses. But, the right approach and diligence is required for successful ERP implementations. Uneecops has the requisite experience and worldwide recognition of deploying SAP Business One as per the industry standards.
