Make it Right the First Time: Be Prepared for Your ERP Implementation

Be Prepared for Your ERP Implementation

We continue our series of blog posts exploring 10 key steps in successfully implementing an ERP solution for small-to-medium manufacturing businesses, make it right the first time: be prepared for your ERP implementation. We hope you find them useful; don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

As stated in our previous posts, preparation is the key to a successful ERP implementation. Identifying your company’s needs, forming a comprehensive team plan, gaining management support, and creating a business process model are all ways in which you can prepare for the transition to a new system. In addition to these steps, it is also essential that the company prepares for the conversion of data.

Consolidate Data

While the typical small and medium size business doesn’t have as much data to transfer as a large enterprise probably does, the number of different programs in which the data can be stored can prevent a smooth conversion process. This can be especially challenging for smaller businesses that perform certain functions manually, or use programs that are not compatible with one another.

It is vital to ensure all data is represented in the final conversion, so that your new records are as complete and accurate as possible. This is where our expertise in handling many of these types of conversions really comes in handy. We can advise you on best practices when it comes to preparing your data and ensuring that nothing is lost in the transition.

Measure Twice, Send Once

Not only is it important for the data to be complete, the company must also ensure that the records are accurate and formatted correctly for the conversion. Getting this right at the beginning of the transfer process will ensure that the new system created with this data will be functional and ready for use from the start, without having to go back and fix corrupted or missing information.

This is the time to review your Vendors, Customers, Bills of Materials and Account Numbers. Eliminate duplicate records. Drop old information. Update new contact names and addresses.

As with all types of computerized transactions, “bad data in equals bad data out.” The process of extracting, cleaning, and converting the data will take time, but like our other steps for preparing for a new business system, it will be well worth it in the end. 

Spending time on this step now will not only save the company time and money, but will also keep team members motivated and moving forward. When everyone involved in the process can see not only how inefficient the previous system really was, but how their jobs will run more smoothly once a new system is in place, it will help motivate your employees.

Are you a small or medium-sized manufacturing or distribution company that is trying to simplify and streamline your business process? We can help!
Give us a call at (440) 498-9920 today.

Read the next post in the series: 

 The Importance of Training for your New ERP System

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