Companies are being urged to properly prepare for one of the most important business decisions they will ever make to avoid committing common errors.
With many organisations implementing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems without adequate advance planning, Ochiba Business Solutions has offered advice on how to avoid mistakes and maximise benefits.
The Chesterfield-based company helps businesses become more efficient and profitable through implementing SAP Business One – the world’s leading ERP software designed specifically for SMEs.
Ochiba recommends a business clearly defines its unique requirements, and suggests using a grading or scoring system before contacting vendors to thoroughly assess if their offering is the right one.
Companies should also understand their current and future business processes before making a decision on software. Shiny new technology can be dazzling, but may not be what the company needs.
Embedding a new system also requires buy-in from staff to ensure the transformation is as smooth as possible. Ochiba suggests listening to and managing staff concerns about the new system throughout the process, as well as ensuring the executive team is fully on board.
Investing in training is also crucial, to make sure employees embrace the new system and avoid reverting to their old, familiar workflows.
Ochiba’s experts also advise businesses choose the right person and process to transfer data from their legacy system to a new ERP platform. It should be someone with an advanced understanding of the new system, which data to transfer, and the correct format.
Dave Worsman, managing director, from Ochiba, said: “After 30 years of developing, implementing, and managing ERP implementations, it still surprises me just how many companies don’t take the time to prepare.
“An ERP System implementation will impact every part of your business and its ecosystem, including your employees and potential vendors. Many companies go blindly into reviewing and selecting new systems without following basic due diligence, which is staggering, given that it is likely to be one of the most important business decisions they will ever make.
“As you prepare for your own project, just do one thing: ensure you listen to advice on best practice and understand common reasons for ERP failure. That way, you’ll have a clear plan, avoid common mistakes and be on the way to a successful project.”
