Some time someone mentions ‘successful’ SAP implementation, don’t start wondering if they have a secret guide-book that maps out every single detail for them. A failed implementation will convince many that they have been deprived of the much needed secrets that others clearly seem to know.
If SAP implementation is round the corner, then don’t slip into the vicious cycle of sleepless nights and anxious mornings with constant worry sprinkled generously through the day. SAP B1 partners have unveiled some secrets that would assure you of a successful SAP implementation. Read on to know more.
Secrets to Successful SAP Implementation
Truth be told, there are no secrets for best SAP Business One Implementation. Though it might disappoint you, the good news is that your competitors don’t possess something that you don’t have. The best SAP Business One Implementations are a result of certain practices put together. Some of them include:
– Treading close to standard software
The one mistake that companies mostly make is customizing their SAP solutions to such an extent that they aren’t compatible with the standard SAP form. Stick to the standard software which would make it easier to make changes in the future. This practice would help in eliminating problems that arise due to incompatibility issues. However, if the modification justifies a competitive edge and improves your process significantly, go ahead with the change even if it is deviated from the standard software.
– Team-member dedicated completely to the project
SAP implementation requires a skilled team with usually some members dividing their time between the implementation and their regular responsibilities other than the SAP project. SAP B1 partners suggest that having at least one person who is solely dedicated to the implementation makes a lot of difference. With lesser distractions, this team-member can bring more productivity to the table than anyone else.
– Migrating data smartly
Data is very crucial and its migration during SAP implementation should be done extremely carefully. While migrating, sift through all the data you have and discard all the outdated and useless ones. Remember that data migration is very time-consuming and is a costly affair. When you cut down to the amount of data to a minimum, you will save considerable time and resources which can be spent elsewhere. If more data is needed, you can always go back later and get it.
– Adhere to the budget
The primary reason of failed SAP implementations lies in mismanagement of the budget. When the project goes beyond the allotted budget, the result can be delayed delivery or even abandoning the entire project. Keep one eye on the budget at all times and take clever decisions whenever budget matters are involved. Don’t let the green paper be the reason of a failed implementation.
– Set realistic deadlines and go-live when absolutely ready
It is obvious that one would want to make the project live as soon as they can. The only way possible to achieve this is by setting unrealistic deadlines. This further calls for extra working hours from the team which might eventually burn them out, thus producing substandard results. Don’t let the pressures of a strict schedule compromise on the quality of the overall implementation. On the other hand, don’t get too relaxed with the pace of the development and set deadlines that would result in prolonged and unnecessary delays. The best SAP Business One implementation occurs only when it goes live when absolutely ready and not under external pressures or deadline blunders.
– Exhaustive testing during development
Make testing a nagging habit and your implementation will always enjoy success. Never compromise on this aspect as this is where you can eliminate all the potential problems that the project may face in the future. Design a testing program carefully and stick to it to avoid any surprises.
So now that you know some of the ‘secrets’, it is time to abide by them and follow them to achieve the SAP implementation that will almost always be successful. Just having the knowledge of these practices would not be fruitful. Know which ones are applicable to your enterprise and execute them with perfection. It won’t be long when others look at your successful SAP implementations and start wondering if you have a secret book that they are desperately looking for!
