How to Pick the Right ERP
Is your business growing but struggling with outdated tools, systems, and processes? ERP systems can help streamline operations and boost efficiency. But, ERP, or Enterprise resource planning, is more than just adding new technology. It requires careful planning and proper change management.
When is the right time to implement an ERP system in your business? How do you get started, and how do you help your team transition smoothly?
In this episode, Allison Cummins and I discuss ERP implementation and why change management is a major part of it. She shares how growing businesses can benefit from ERP systems to streamline operations and how to ensure a smooth transition for your team.
Allison is the Founder and CEO of Blue Outcomes LLC , a boutique consulting firm that specializes in Project and Change Management. She is a trusted advisor for growing companies and is known for bringing transparency and accountability to business transformations.
We discuss: (timestamps)
03:28 When is the right time to consider an ERP system?
05:04 Revenue size for ERP implementation
06:18 Big ERP players vs. smaller systems
07:43 The differences between major ERPs (SAP, NetSuite, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics)
09:49 Transitioning from smaller ERPs to larger ones
11:55 The cost of switching to an ERP
15:53 Preparing data for ERP implementation
18:34 Data types to include in an ERP system
20:49 How far back should data go in an ERP system?
23:59 Connecting different data systems in an ERP
25:17 Common issues on the people side during ERP implementations
29:44 Preparing staff for ERP implementation
32:16 Stories of successful and unsuccessful ERP implementations
36:27 Causes of scope creep in ERP projects
40:47 Actionable steps for starting the ERP process
Sample of what you will learn:
Preparing data for ERP implementation
Properly preparing your data is what can make or break a successful ERP implementation. Allison recommends starting early to address data quality and to make sure the transition will be as seamless as possible for you and your team.
1. Assess and Cleanse Your Data
2. Data Preparation and Migration
3. Types of Data to Include
And all other operational data that you use in daily business processes, such as specific departmental manuals or resources and research documents.
Accounting data including financial records, ledgers, and transaction history.
Sales and customer data like customer profiles, purchase history, and sales orders.
Product and vendor data such as your inventory levels, supplier details, and procurement records.
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
"People will make or break any ERP solution implementation because most of the time, I'm gonna be honest, it's the lack of communication from the leadership teams." - Allison Cummins
"The messaging has to be consistent throughout. Oftentimes, the change, like the communication, is coming from leadership and then it gets like 1 level down and it just stops." - Allison Cummins
"Start documenting your business processes. That is the first step to really understand what your business does." - Allison Cummins
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2wThanks so much for having me! This was such a great discussion. It's my hope that it was engaging and that the audience understands the steps needed to implement a successful ERP. As you know Blue Outcomes can assist!