5 Factors for Successful ERP and CRM Implementations

In our first blog posts, “What a Difference a Partner Makes- Part 1” and “Part 2”, we discussed how choosing the right Ohio ERP software partner can make the difference between a successful on-time and on-budget implementation and one that fails to meet expectations and deadlines.  Here are some other important factors your organization should consider for a successful implementation, whether it’s for Ohio ERP software or Ohio CRM software.

1. Analyze your business processes, requirements, and objectives.  It’s important to first understand why you want to implement a new system and how the system will meet your business objectives.  Determine the pain points in your existing system, and map your current processes in all areas of the organization.  Then once you define your business requirements, you’re better prepared to select a software that meets your business needs.  You’ll also want to keep in mind your organization’s future growth strategies so that you select a solution that will be scalable and flexible enough to meet your changing needs.  Conducting a Fit Gap Analysis can help you identify gaps between your business process requirements and the functionality of the software solution.  This can help you determine what modifications or customizations you may need and the short- and long-term costs associated.

1. Get buy-in and commitment from management, executives, and stakeholders.  It’s important in any project to have the support of top and middle management.  Top management can help to control the project’s direction, budgets, and timelines while middle management can provide feedback from end users at checkpoints during the implementation process.  A Project Charter defines the governance, objectives, benefits, plan, roles/responsibilities, and key performance indicators for the project.

1. Budget appropriately and provide adequate resources.  Set realistic expectations, and don’t cut costs by minimizing focus on key areas such as project management, change management, and training.  Instead, involve management and staff members, including end users, throughout the project to ensure a smoother transition and build training.  You should also involve a mix of resources across departments with cross functional knowledge. Scoping Assessment can help you manage project requirements when setting a budget.

1. Appoint a strong project manager and experienced project team. Both of these elements, along with effective communication and a project plan aligned with the organization’s strategic business roadmap, are essential to a project’s success. When developing a project plan, define a timeline and stick to it.  You’ll also want to define your measurements of success, set baselines and targets for those measurements, and conduct post-implementation performance measurements after you go-live. Management and users will want to see the tangible benefits of implementing the system.

1. Manage change effectively and provide sufficient training.  User adoption is critical to the success of the project. Managing change with frequent communications, involving users throughout the planning and implementation process, and listening to user feedback can help limit frustrations and drive user adoption. And don’t forget to communicate with your customers if any changes will affect them.