Plan for a successful ERP implementation with Sage ERP software

What is ERP implementation?

To achieve a smooth ERP integration, it's critical to understand the needs and pain points of your business, and how a proposed solution will help you address them. 

A successful ERP rollout is not an easy task. Many companies struggle to find a balance between real-time and batch integration, as well as external and internal ERP systems. Enterprise resource planning is a complex challenge and there are many points to consider before launching a new strategy.

According to Panorama Consulting's independent ERP research over the past four years, the average cost of an ERP system implementation is approximately $1.3 million with an average duration of 16.9 months. Traditionally, an ERP deployment fails because managers don’t consider:

• How a successful ERP implementation will improve day-to-day business processes
• Full ERP implementation costs from beginning to end
• The time it will take to complete a successful ERP implementation  

Eric Kimberling of Panorama Consulting is an independent ERP systems expert with over 20 years' experience advising clients around the world. He believes that ERP solutions have become easier to implement over the years.

"You don't want to treat ERP as a small project. You want to make sure you have a dedicated focus on the people that are addressing the organisational change management aspects," he says. "People always think end-user training when they think of organisational change, but there's so much more that needs to happen before the end-user training in order for that to be successful."

Achieve a successful ERP integration

As with most business pursuits, your success depends on using a systematic approach. 

Make sure the entire process is divided into ERP implementation steps, and each stage has specific timelines for completion. To guarantee a seamless application, assign someone to be responsible for ensuring all deadlines are met. 

The ERP implementation process should be supported by documentation to minimise the chances of encountering delays. Such pre-worked documentation shared by the ERP provider ensures that, as a business, you can hit the ground running and hone in on new opportunities.