Microsoft ERP - Imagine that your company invests in a brand new ERP system in the hope that your company's systems will finally run like clockwork. Then reality sets in: budgets are overrun, deadlines are pushed back and results fall short of expectations. What went wrong? At Blue Dynamic, we put our heads together and wrote 7 tips for a successful implementation of Microsoft ERP.
How to successfully implement a Microsoft ERP system?
We may surprise you. The stumbling block is often not the (in)functionality of the software or the wrong choice of software. It is the implementation process itself. ERP projects fail due to lack of experience and poor planning.
1. Define your project objectives correctly
ERP is not a cure-all for all the ills of your business processes. Companies often don't spend enough time defining the specific goals they want to achieve. What will this result in? Only confusion. There are no clear priorities.
What to do?
- Tell yourself exactly what you want to achieve (lower error rates, faster processing, better collaboration between departments) - ideally quantify these goals precisely.
- Set clear priorities.
2. Involve everyone - employees and management
It is a well-known fact that all employees must be trained in detail when implementing a new system. But management should not be left out of the picture. Without their support, the project often stagnates.
How to handle it?
- Management must actively communicate with the team.
- Provide the necessary resources.
3. Don't underestimate the power of the project team
A properly assembled project team is the key to success. Without the necessary skills and coordination, the project will fail.
How to have a stellar team?
- Build a team that includes all relevant areas of the company.
- Choose an experienced project manager.
4. Communicate
Without open and regular communication, rumours can spread among staff, which slows down the project. Moreover, it completely undermines the company culture and the mood of the team.
How to avoid it?
- Set up regular meetings.
- Give employees room for feedback.
- Ensure that documentation and up-to-date information is available to all.
6. Data migration is key
Data migration is an often overlooked aspect that can slow down or complicate the entire project.
How to make a successful migration?
- Carefully prepare and clean the data before migration.
- Check the correctness of the data types and perform simulations before performing a hard migration.
7. Actively prevent bad moods
Change can be scary for some. Workflows are changing, new responsibilities are being added and not all employees are excited about it.
How to avoid it:
- Communicate the benefits of Microsoft ERP implementation clearly and sufficiently.
- Provide training and workshops to make employees feel comfortable with the new system.
Implementing a Microsoft ERP system is a process that requires careful coordination. But with good planning and an organizational approach, obstacles can be overcome. An experienced ERP manager and a proven implementation methodology are the keys to success. For companies without in-house expertise, it's important to choose an experienced ERP provider that handles similar challenges on a daily basis and can offer great support.
At Blue Dynamic we will help you find a tailor-made solution - modular Microsoft ERP that doesn't overwhelm you with unnecessary features, but it will actually streamline the agenda you need to streamline. It will therefore be cheaper and more flexible for you. We will be happy to guide you in a free initial consultation where we'll fill you in on the details.
