How do you avoid common pitfalls and risks in ERP cloud implementation?

Totally agree! "Cloud" is a fancy word but actually it's more than just a trendy term, that goes beyond just adopting new technology! it's a strategic shift with profound implications for a business. It involves migrating critical business processes and data to a cloud-based SAP environment, which can bring about enhanced agility, scalability, and accessibility to cutting-edge SAP applications and services. However, it's imperative for stakeholders to recognize that this transition isn't merely a technical move; it's a transformation that affects operations, workforce dynamics, security protocols, and overall business strategies.

Long list comes to my mind - here're few points: 1-Thorough planning with stakeholders 2- Shortlist and select right solution(s) 3- Vendor(s)/Partner(s) Selection 4- Crystal clear understanding of SOW, Budget & timelines 5- Data migration & compatibility 6- Customizations 7- Integrations 8- Application Configurations 9- Change management is super important. Time must be invested here. 10- Security and compliance concerns - keeping in mind multi country roll outs. 11- Performance monitoring and benchmarking for business processes and outcomes. 12- Understanding of backup & DR and SLA's. 13- Program & project management from both sides. PMO role and rules. 14- Team allocations - all engaged parties. 15- Thorough SIT & UAT 16 - Steering Co.

Migrating to a new ERP from a native legacy system can be challenging & if not done correctly could have disastrous consequences. A few pointers come to mind based on my past experiences: 1) Speak to the "everyday users" & understand their needs and issues with the legacy system. Communication with these stakeholders is critical in proper process mapping & the consequent changes in the new ERP. 2) Don't railroad pre-biased vendors or software systems. You don't need to buy a Rolls-Royce if your business only needs a Toyota. Identifying what works for your business is an absolute. 3) Proper testing phase, both for the physical infrastructure & the back-end to ensure that the ERP can work & bridge the gaps from the previous legacy system.

Before starting the project kindly work on below points as most of points cover already, 17. Change Management 18. Knowledge Management

Migrating an ERP from an existing modern platform to another is not as challenging of a task as moving from a legacy system. The data from legacy systems can be stored on many different systems from cloud to desktop applications and built in many programming languages, some of which may be very old and outdated. Extracting, cleaning, preparing and standardizing the data is a crucial task as significant amounts of data can be lost if not consistent formatted. Merging duplicate customers, products and fixing other errors will allow for more accurate reporting as historical data can be extremely valuable for a company when merged into an ERP as many old programs were not designed for business intelligence and reporting.

To avoid common pitfalls and risks in ERP cloud implementation, it's crucial to: Plan thoroughly: Develop a comprehensive strategy and roadmap. Choose the right ERP vendor: Evaluate options and select a trusted provider. Define clear goals: Establish specific objectives and performance metrics. Ensure data quality: Cleanse and migrate data accurately. Train your team: Provide comprehensive training and support. Monitor and adapt: Continuously assess and adjust your ERP system. Cybersecurity: Invest in robust security measures to protect data. Backup and recovery: Develop contingency plans for data loss. By addressing these key areas, you can enhance the success of your ERP cloud implementation.

Break into smaller steps: - Assess and plan the migration process by identifying the applications, data, and systems that need to be migrated and determining the order of migration. - Test the migration process in a non-production environment before migrating any data or applications. - Begin by migrating non-critical data and applications first to build confidence in the migration process. - Verify the functionality of each set of migrated data and applications to ensure they are functioning properly. - Monitor and optimize performance after data and applications are migrated by tracking system uptime, response time, and user satisfaction. - Finally, migrate critical data and applications once the previous steps have been completed.

Key users are often critical to the success of any change initiative. They are typically employees who have a deep understanding of the business processes and systems being impacted by the change. Their buy-in and support can help ensure that the change is successful and that other employees are more likely to adopt the new processes and systems. - Involve key users in the change process. - Clearly communicate the benefits of the change. - Address any concerns key users may have. - Provide training on the new systems and processes. - Celebrate successes and recognize key users for their efforts. - Ensure that leadership supports the change initiative. - Monitor progress and address any issues that arise.

Implement processes for ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of the ERP cloud implementation. Establish KPIs to measure system performance, user satisfaction, and business outcomes. Regularly review system usage, user feedback, and industry best practices to identify opportunities for optimization and enhancement. Allocate resources for system maintenance, updates, and upgrades to ensure long-term success.

There are two general approaches to consider: - One big migration involves migrating all in one large, coordinated effort. This approach is often faster and more efficient, but it can also be riskier, as any issues that arise during the migration can affect the entire system. This is often suitable for smaller organizations with less complex systems and processes. - Breaking the implementation into smaller steps involves a phased approach, where data, systems, and processes are migrated incrementally over time. This is often less risky, as any issues that arise can be addressed before the next phase of the migration begins. It is often suitable for organizations with more complex systems and processes. Can take longer and be more costly.