ERP Implementation (ERP Life Cycle)

• ERP system implementations are risky. A well-defined project plan with a proven methodology helps manage these risks.
• The key to success is to follow a step-by-step methodology starting with planning and understanding the ERP life cycle.
• This is discussed deeper in ERP Development Life Cycle

ERP Methodology

Product Life Cycle

Software and Vendor Selection

• Organizations lacking ERP development experience should purchase an existing system.
• Before selecting a vendor, organizations should evaluate their current and future needs for enterprise management systems.
• Review the hardware, network, and software infrastructure, along with available resources for implementation.

Vendor Selection

• Considerations for vendor selection include:
  • Supported business functions or modules.
  • Software features and integration capabilities.
  • Vendor’s financial viability and business history.
  • Licensing and upgrade policies.
  • Customer service and help desk support.
  • Total cost of ownership.
  • IT infrastructure requirements.
  • Support for third-party software and legacy systems.
  • Availability of consulting and training services.

Operation and Post-Implementation

• Go-live is a critical milestone in the project.
• All project teams must focus on completing tasks and resolving issues before Go-live.
• The readiness process should involve as many team members, users, and managers as possible.

Five Areas of Stabilization

1. Training for end-users.
2. Reactive support (e.g., help desk for troubleshooting).
3. Auditing to ensure data quality is maintained.
4. Data fixes to resolve migration errors found during audits.
5. Implementation of new features to support evolving organizational needs.