ERP systems – Page 2

Home | These 3 “gotcha” moments could ruin your ERP implementation

The “gotcha” moment. We’ve all experienced it before: you’re working on a project and everything’s going smoothly—until some seemingly benign error renders your work redundant.

Lucky for you, we know how to avoid dreaded “gotcha” moments during Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations. Here’s a look into three key issues that may arise, and essential ways to steer clear of them.
“Gotcha” #1: Mismanaged Team Members

In order for your project to flow smoothly, your staff must be properly equipped to manage each step of the process.

Key problems:
• Placing too much pressure on IT staff. Because ERP projects often involve upgrades to computing infrastructure, IT Managers are assigned as their sponsors. However, undertakings of this sort require managers with more organizational influence.
• Relying too heavily on outside consultants. While our expertise is beneficial, weak inclusion of inside staff can result in a lack of much-needed organizational knowledge.

Key Solutions:
• Assign a full-time Senior VP (or other business expert) to each ERP implementation. During this time, their other positions should be back-filled to reduce stress.
• Find the right set of outside consultants for your needs. At ERP Advisers, we’ll work in tandem with your employees, ensuring they have the tools needed for long-term success.

“Gotcha” #2: Poor Project Planning

When it comes to ERP implementations, improper planning can take an incredible financial toll on your business.

Key Problems:
• Underestimating the complexity and speed of ERP implementations. By miscalculating the time and effort required to complete these projects, schedules may become stretched out—and deadlines missed. This can result in exceeded budgets, missed deliverables, and an overall loss of organizational interest.

Key Solutions:
• Contain the scope of your project. Review your plans with highly-experienced outside consultants, like ERP Advisers, to ensure that they are realistic and achievable.
• Follow a long-term multiple-release strategy. By implementing ERP modules in palatable portions, your team can stay abreast of all changes.

“Gotcha” #3: Ignoring the Aftermath

ERP implementation causes a variety of changes to occur within any business. As a result, it is integral that your staff are prepared to manage any and all adjustments to your business processes.

Key Problem:
• Overlooking change management efforts. ERP implementation may eliminate, automate, or integrate certain processes, all of which must be planned for.

Key Solution:
• Foresee necessary changes. As we’ve stated, planning is incredibly important. By recognizing the potential for significant changes, you can ensure that your team has the resources needed to carry them out.

With our individualized approach to all ERP implementation, we’ll keep these “gotcha” moments from getting you down. Click here (https://erpadvisers.com/erp-project-management/) to learn more about our services.

Home | 5 Phases of Planning Your ERP System

Choosing a good ERP system isn’t just enough; it is also vital for every organization to have a laid down procedure of how to plan this system. Following a structured approach to planning from discovery, process analysis and planning to Going-Live and support gives the organization a better opportunity to realize the full potentials of the software.

5 Phases of Planning Your ERP System

There are essentially five stages of planning your ERP system, and they include the following:

Discovery, Process Analysis, and Planning: Before searching for a solution, it is essential to carefully conduct an inventory of the organizations need. This also includes creating a group that consists of employees from different departments who make use of the ERP system. The overall aim of doing this is to have a comprehensive understanding of what the organization needs, challenges, tools, and resources are. An essential part of this stage involves group members having a meeting to develop a comprehensive project plan that will serve as a guide all through the project planning process.
System Design: This stage involves designing a new enterprise system and mapping out ways of using the system to meet the need of an organization. In this stage, the project and implementation teams work together to map-out various configurations for new systems, documenting standard procedures and defining new roles for the organization.
System Build-out: This stage involves the development and configuration of a solution customized using the specification listed in stage two to meet the need of an organization.
Training and Testing: Once the new system design has been deployed for use, it is essential to carry out a training program that addresses the needs, training scope and schedules of the organizations. While some employees may need just one-day training others may benefit from three or four days of training. In addition, it is vital to ensure that the system is tested thoroughly before rolling it out company-wide.
Go-Live and Support: The final stage involves making the solution Go-Live for use. There is also a need to provide support at least for the first one month to employees who might be using the system for the first time. The project team must be available to answer questions that may arise. In addition, once the ERP system goes live, the role of the project team changes, all they need to do is provide adjustment and changes to the system configurations when needed.

Finally, an ERP system is of great importance to every organization; it has the capability of transforming how people work, streamlining task, automating actions and optimizing processes. As stated earlier, having a good ERP system isn’t just enough, there are laid down processes that must be followed when planning your EPR system to ensure you get maximum value out of your ERP investment. At ERP Advisers, we will be there every step of the way during the implementation of new technology in your business. We will work with you to not only improve your services and processes but to also improve your bottom line.

Home | Top Six Key Success Factors for A Successful ERP Implementation

In our earlier article we talked about the importance of ERP systems for organizations, and how to know if your company is ready for an ERP system. Now we turn the focus towards how to implement such systems. Even if an organization chooses the right ERP system, the process would fail project without effective implementation. Research shows that failed implementation of ERP systems has been a recurring decimal in different organizations. The PSSI Blog reports that Gartner Research shows a nearly 100% failure rate for cloud ERP implementations: https://pssiusa.blog/2017/09/05/gartner-research-predicts-near-100-failure-rate-for-cloud-erp-projects-by-2018/ So here are six factors that can improve a company’s odds of a successful ERP implementation:

Project preparation: ERP implementation largely depends on the preparation made beforehand and how well the created strategies cater to the needs of the organization. To ensure the success of ERP implementation, it is thus essential for the proper preparations to be made towards the business strategy, the strategy of the ERP as well as IT strategy. Proper efforts should also be made towards preparing members of the organization for the changes that may be associated with ERP implementation.
Budget: The budget for ERP implementation has been identified as a key success factor. As the implementation process unfolds, budget cuts and adjustments tend to be affected by organizations. These modifications typically affect the success of ERP implementation. It is thus advised that proper budgeting is carried out and modification avoided jeopardizing successful ERP implementation.
Management commitment: The level of commitment of the management of an organization to the implementation of ERP has also been identified as a key success factor largely because the involvement of the management of an organization conveys the importance of the process to the employees. Management involvement in ERP implementation is thus largely encouraged at different levels, from project inception to resolution of arising issues.
Project scope: The identification of the scope of the project as well as the design of an efficient strategy for ERP implementation is essential for successful implementation. The scope of the project will define activities that will be coordinated by the system. When these activities are identified, appropriate plans can also be made for activities not integrated into the ERP system.
Project team: The effective implementation of ERP is also determined by the team that is in charge of the process. The team should comprise full-time members such as a project manager for proper implementation. The core team and consultants should also be able to establish an excellent working relationship. It is also necessary to emphasize the importance of proper communication between the implementation team and the employees of the organization.
Post-implementation activities: The implementation of ERP systems results in changes in the general operations of the organization. Thus, it is essential for provisions to be made for change management as ERP systems are implemented. Employees should be trained on managing these change that would be associated with the ERP, and this training could come from an in-house team that could be trained by consultants.

Successful ERP implementation requires the efforts of all involved parties, from the core team to consultants and the management of the organization towards the incorporation of the processes and acceptance of necessary change.

ERP Advisers will work closely with you to ensure a winning strategy and outcome to help your business grow. Please call us at 905.332.5469.

Home | HOW DO I KNOW MY COMPANY NEEDS AN ERP SYSTEM?

As organizations expand and offer products and services to thousands of clients all over the world, technology also plays a major role in coordinating, automating and simplifying of different processes that takes place in every business. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technology helps companies effectively navigate their ever-changing business operations.

An ERP system is a software that integrates activities across different sectors and departments within an organization, acting as a master software where different activities can be performed in a coordinated way. For example, an ERP system brings together the customer orders, manufacturing, shipping and accounting functions into a functional whole.

However, many fast growing organizations that could benefit from such well-coordinated systems are yet to deploy ERP systems in their day to day operations because they aren’t sure if the investment is necessary. Here are way 5 ways to know when your organization needs an ERP system:
1. You’re using multiple software packages for different operations: Complex activities spread across different departments calls for an ERP system. Typically, we consult for clients who are using different spreadsheets and document templates across their departments, leading to reduced productivity. When productivity becomes negatively impacted by the lag from coordinating the different software, it’s time to get an ERP system. An ERP system provides that platform that ensures centralized activity and efficiency.

2. Outdated critical information: Fast moving organizations, with large sales volumes need accurate, timely information at their fingertips. When critical operational information such as the number of orders, production data, and financial information within a specific period isn’t immediately available, the organization needs an ERP system. ERP systems are specially adapted towards putting essential pieces of information together in a comprehensive manner.

3. Increased operational costs: When it’s costing your business more and more to run operations the increased operational costs will lead to lower profits. An ERP system ensures the efficiency of operations, reduce working capital, and improve the bottom line of the organization.

4. Reduced customer service: Customer satisfaction is bound to decline when the organization doesn’t have critical information readily available to answer customer queries and respond to complaints. When customers are not satisfied with the quality of services, they receive, sales are bound to. An ERP system provides the ability to deliver efficient customer service and avoid complaints.

5. Your competitors all have ERP systems: If all other organization in your industry or business segment have ERP systems, it is a good indication that your organization would benefit from one as well. Ask what your competitors are doing well and don’t be left behind.

In all, ERP systems provides the efficient coordination needed for the organization to scale up successfully. We have covered the basic pointers that should indicate if your organization needs an ERP system. In summary, if coordination and integration of activities become problematic within an organization, the organization needs an ERP system. ERP Advisers provides a complimentary business assessment. Give us a call today to schedule yours with a goal of making your business more efficient and as a result more profitable.

Home | Improving Employee Productivity with ERP Systems

Improving Employee Productivity with ERP Systems

Enterprise resource planning systems (ERP) are acknowledged time and money savers, but many businesses underestimate them as an efficient way to engage and manage their most important resources—employees.

The engagement process begins with providing your workforce with timely and useful information. When asked, most employees will say that their workflow greatly benefits when they are plugged in and kept abreast of important information.

This boosts their satisfaction and their productivity. An integrated ERP system manages stakeholder connections, making it easy for all relevant parties to see the big picture and the small picture. Simply put, it facilitates information flow and sharing throughout a business, while ensuring that corporate goals can be met.

Merging Processes

By merging core processes, from finance, to manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and human resources, an ERP system simplifies management and ensures up-to-date information and decision making. It also makes employees an integral part of the process—something engaged employees actually want.

ERP systems help ensure business streamlining and efficiency. Why waste valuable resources (human or otherwise) in one area of your business, when your ERP collated data tells you exactly where resources are needed? Take inventory management for example.

ERP systems manage market fluctuations and supply chain issues by providing a steady flow of real-time information. No need to guess, or pour over multiple spreadsheets and databases, the right ERP platform will automate the process, save time and efficiently direct labor.

Productivity Boost

ERP systems are proven productivity boosters and, let’s face it, money savers. They reduce costs by identifying areas where improvements and alignments can be made. And their flexibility can’t be beat. ERP systems can be set up as Cloud-based models, in-house data centres, and hybrid cloud and in-house systems. Each has its benefits, including ease of data analytics. There’s an ERP module for every type and size of business.

If you are interested in improving your bottom line and engaging your employees with a custom ERP system, give ERP Advisers a call today. We’d be happy to do a complimentary business assessment.

Home | If you are too busy to install ERP software for your venue, than it’s really a sign that you NEED one!

We hear this line all the time from prospects and business owners of venues: “Your technology/ ERP software would really help us but we are too busy at the moment to implement anything like this”. It’s true that the seasonality of events is giving way to a year-long cycle where event and wedding venues are busier and busier.

This makes having an all-in-one platform for events & weddings even more important to the overall success of your venue.

The reality is, if you are too busy to invest in ERP software that will significantly lighten your workload, improve your operations and bottom line, then you especially need to make the investment. The problem is that misconceptions exist about just how disruptive such an implementation is to venues.

Here are 3 big misconceptions about implementing ERP system in a hospitality business:

Implementation is too time-consuming

This isn’t a sales technique, an empty promise meant to trick you into adding another item to the to-do list. If you are struggling to manage your email inbox, the contracts take weeks to send out, and the venue tours and show-arounds are frequently time-wasting no-shows – think how much time you could save with an effective technology system in place.

The truth is that implementation is not time-consuming. We start out with an implementation road-map for your venue, having discussed your current process and structure. We also want to know you can manage inquiries and bookings well. Then we set-up your account as discussed and input your data, from ongoing inquiries to your database of contacts. Finally, we hold a training session. After that we work closely with you to add in training and guidance on other features your venue will benefit from.

If I told you that in exchange for 2 to 3-hours of your time, I could save you 20 plus-hours over the next few weeks, chances are you wouldn’t believe me but I would love to show you how!

I’d love this, but my team (in some cases the owner) is not as tech-savvy

People don’t give themselves or their team-members enough credit. Opinions of software are based upon older generation products in the hospitality sector and can be really easy to leverage.

If you can navigate a smartphone, you’ll be able to navigate an internal technology system.

My events program has been growing, without a platform

Amazing! This is a testament to your hard-work and the sweat and tears you’ve put in. But even if you feel your wedding and events program has maxed out and you couldn’t possibly do any more of either (or you simply don’t want to), you have to consider the other benefits of a centralized system.

For example, a lot of busy event venues we work with experienced issues with staff retention. The stress of overflowing inboxes, the occasional difficult bride and groom, and the constant flow of paperwork, is a significant contributor to burnout.

Having a centralized, all-in-one, cloud-based platform is a huge relief to all of the above. Richard Branson is fond of saying “If you look after your staff, they’ll look after your customers. It’s that simple.” We couldn’t agree more with him. A lot of that starts with giving them the tools they need. Take the next steps in investing the in the growth of your business. ERP Advisers would love to be your trusted partner.

Home | ERP Implementation at Cadbury’s

Here is a short case study and success story on implementing ERP System at Cadbury’s.

Company Introduction
Cadbury India is a fully owned subsidy of Kraft Foods Inc. With annual revenues of approximately $50 billion, the combined company is the world’s second largest food company, making delicious products for billions of consumers in more than 160countries. They employ approximately 140,000 people and have operations in more than 70 countries.

The ERP initiative was to bring about a completeintegration of the major processes in the business. The major processes being procurement system, finance system, the Human Resources and other departments.These were functioning in a completely decentralised manner. Cadbury’s have four branch operations and 13 manufacturing operations and each had their own systems running in isolation.

Benefits of ERP System specific to Cadbury’s

Cadbury was on a fast paced growth and could not continue with the existing systems and the pace was too slow due to added inefficiencies down the chain. ERP implementation handled all the issues and added efficiency and guided the fast paced growth.
Cadbury standardized the processes within the 16 locations.
The implementation of ERP brought in a new way of warehouse management system and brought in structure to branch offices and the depots.
The manufacturing in itself had 13 operations and each was operating in a silo. This had increased the work in progress and the integration of the processes has done well for the company.
The ERP vendor was also selected from among the best in classvendors which helped the process occur in a streamlined fashionand avoided any possible chances of hiccups during the initial implementation phase.
The system has also been deployed up to the vendors. They have a portal called vendor connect where they can see their inventory movement and make plans accordingly. Hence the restructuring happens not only internally but also across to the supplier which will add on to the benefits for both parties.

Selected and managed well, ERP Systems can bring extrodinary value to any organization and address many challanges being faced. If you’d like to chat about ERP systems or their selection, give ERP Advisers a call today!