Stakeholders, Needs, & Planning
A robust ERP solution has become an essential tool for all size manufacturing and distribution businesses. But there are so many to choose from and a lot of them tout the same features and benefits. Even if you think you found the “best” ERP solution, how do you know? Well, there are many factors to ensure it works best for your business.
ERP systems have evolved beyond just financial management and inventory tracking. With advancements in technology, modern ERP solutions offer features such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics. Considering future growth opportunities and how these capabilities can benefit your business should also be factored into the decision-making process.
Here’s our recommendation of some of the additional factors you should think about when looking for a new system. Pro tip: don’t go it alone. Partnering with Parallel Solutions, a trusted ERP team, will better equip you for success.
Needs Analysis
The first step in ensuring your new ERP solution is successful is to conduct a comprehensive needs analysis. Read more on how to do this here.
Why Conduct a Needs Analysis?
Understanding your business requirements is crucial. It’s easy to get caught up in daily operations and overlook broader business processes. However, identifying inefficiencies is imperative for growth and long-term success.
Steps to Conduct a Needs Analysis
- Identify Key/Current Processes: It’s important to document current workflows and business processes. When doing this, make sure to evaluate what works and what doesn’t. List out your pain points and any inefficiencies or bottlenecks you want to fix. A thorough understanding of these will help you to determine what you need from a new system.
- Involve Stakeholders and engage employees across all your departments to gather insights. It’s important to make sure the system you select will meet the needs of all your departments. From finance and HR to sales and customer service, make sure to gather input from each team to create a comprehensive list of requirements.
- Set Clear Objectives: Ask questions to clarify your goals. Questions such as: What do you want to achieve with your new ERP system? How much increased efficiency are you looking for? What criteria will you measure to ensure you are getting better data management and improved customer service?
For example, consider your Customer Relationship Management (CRM). As your business grows, keeping track of customer interactions manually becomes impractical. An integrated CRM can streamline this process and provide real-time insights.
Let’s face it, your business is likely to grow and evolve over time. Therefore, it’s essential to choose an ERP solution that can scale with your business and adapt to changing needs. Consider the long-term viability of an ERP system. Can it handle an increase in transaction volume, number of users, or expansion into new markets? An ERP solution that can grow with your business will save you time and money in the long run.
Proper Planning
Second, it’s crucial to take the time to plan. Proper planning is essential for a successful ERP implementation and can save you from headaches down the line. A well-thought-out plan ensures that you meet deadlines, stay within budget, and avoid common pitfalls. Read more on why proper planning is important.
Steps to Proper Planning
- Choose a Reliable Partner: Work with an experienced consultant who can guide you through the process and be there after to help with your growth plans. It’s important to remember that this team will be an extension of your business. Learn more about how to choose the right ERP partner.
- Set a Realistic Timeline: Taking a phased approach to implementation helps with the success rates. Make sure to allow adequate time for each phase, including training and testing.
- Allocate Resources: Your employees have a day job and asking them to participate in a project like this can be a huge time drain. Make sure to staff up in areas that will be impacted the most. Allow sufficient work time for employees to participate and think through how an ideal system would support them in their day-to-day.
Parallel Solutions emphasizes the importance of planning. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and build a personalized project plan to ensure a smooth implementation. Our consultants facilitate discussions, set realistic timelines, and provide training to ensure the transition is successful.
Commitment of Key Stakeholders
Clients often ask why gaining the commitment of key stakeholders is so critical for ERP success. It’s because ERP implementation affects the entire organization and therefore, it’s essential that everyone, especially those in leadership roles, supports the project 100%. Read more on gaining the commitment of key stakeholders.
Steps to Gain Commitment
- Engage employees at all levels and in all departments of your business in the planning process and provide adequate training.
- Communicate regularly and clearly to ensure everyone understands the project scope, timeline, objectives, and their responsibilities. Additionally, make sure to address any concerns or resistance early in the process.
- Empower key personnel by allocating decision-making authority to key individuals to streamline the process.
With Parallel Solutions as your ERP partner, you can ensure effective communication and buy-in from all stakeholders. We do this by taking the time to facilitate discussions and involving team members at every level, to make sure everyone is on board and understands their role in the implementation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ERP solution involves careful consideration of your business needs, thorough planning, and securing the commitment of key stakeholders. By following these steps, you can ensure a smoother transition and maximize the benefits of your new ERP system.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn how we can help you find the perfect ERP solution for your business.
