Introduction We are starting a new initiative to share lessons learned that we think will be useful for others based on our projects, and our focus will be on the challenges and solutions. The 1st case study is about a recent ERP implementation of Deacom from eci for our client Morrison Lamothe. Morrison Lamothe Inc. is a Canadian-owned frozen food manufacturer, specializing in frozen prepared hand-held sweet pies. Challenges One challenge facing all ERP implementations is that there are delays in the schedule. Our clients are not able to focus exclusively on the implementation – they have day jobs, and the implementers are juggling […]
1. Define project objectives and don’t forget them. 2. Confirm critical success factors and the KPI’s that measure attainment. Decide which goal KPI’s will determine project success. The target KPI’s become the goalposts for the implementation and a celebration is warranted when you get a goal. 3. Define roles and responsibilities including approximate % of time required for: Steering committee Project sponsor Project manager Core team leads who are business process leaders by department Subject matter experts who assist core team leads as needed Cross functional leads for data migration, change management and training Assign your A team to the […]
You’ve probably heard horror stories about system implementations – especially ERP implementation. Selecting the right system is no guarantee of success. A well-designed ERP implementation plan – combined with discipline, engagement, and realism—can dramatically improve your odds. Here’s what to consider: 1. Business Case Foundation Don’t forget what you should have known during the system selection process. You should have already identified your Critical Success Factors (CSFs) – those things you must do well in order for the ERP implementation to succeed. As well, you should also have defined measurements of success. Before starting any project, you should know how […]
There are so many ERP systems from which to choose, many of which are not well known. The lesser-known ERP systems are often designed for a specific industry. The question is which systems should you include in your ERP system selection project. But first, we need to identify the types of ERP systems based on company size (tier) and by target market. ERP Types There’s no point in considering ERP systems from Tier 1 for small companies. However, the Tier 1 vendors like SAP and Oracle will say that their software is applicable not just for Tier 1 but […]
You naturally want to minimize risks and avoid cost overruns before signing a long-term contract for a new ERP system or any new system. Your prospective vendor also wants to minimize risk but is usually not able to do more than give an implementation estimate based on assumptions about scope, roles, and responsibilities. These assumptions could be fairly accurate, but could also be way off, which could lead to surprises and costly change orders. Neither you nor the vendor wants this to happen. For the vendor, you could turn into an unhappy client who cannot be referenced, or even worse, […]
ERP Selection Criteria In our ERP comparison, we compare the leading systems by these ERP selection criteria: Application Tier Industry Number of customers Underlying technology Customization Multiple companies Multiple currencies Mobility Reporting Dashboards Analytics The data for this ERP comparison is provided by the vendors. While we strive for accuracy, it is not feasible to validate all the information. Vendors are incentivized to provide honest and accurate data, as their credibility is at stake if any representations are found to be false or misleading. You can also see our complete list of ERP systems and their implementers in our ERP […]
What happens when your ERP system is causing you grief? What do you do about: All the excel spreadsheets you have in place to compensate for system deficiencies, Not getting the reports you need, Constant complaints from the users, Poor performance, and Multiple versions of the truth? You don’t want to replace your ERP system unless you have no choice or there are so many problems that there is a compelling business case. You can ask your ERP vendor or implementer to help you with ERP optimization to improve system efficiency, but their focus is likely going to be with […]
This is a ERP software selection process that you are probably dreading, but it’s also an opportunity to improve business process and get your team energized on a new system. The following is a brief description of our methodology. If you’re looking for a step-by-step ERP software selection methodology backed by years of consulting experience, you’ve come to the right place. 1. Requirements Analysis Start with an understanding of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) CSFs are defined as those things that you must do well in order to be successful. You can use CSFs as a way to start defining […]
Implementation is all about people Many organizations think they just need to find an ERP system with a good fit, and they are off to the races. But they really need is the right people at the right time, and ERP project manager is crucial for a success ERP implementation. The full article is available at CAmagazine by hyperlink from the heading. Right People at the Right Time It should be no surprise that all projects depend on people not only outside, but also inside, the organization. Nevertheless, many organizations think they just need to find a system with […]
ERP Implementation Cost: How Much Does an ERP Software Cost? When considering the total ERP software cost, it’s not just license fees and implementation costs that you need to consider. There are also annual increases, internal, support, infrastructure, and unexpected costs (contingency). These costs form the foundation of the ERP Total Cost of Ownership, which must be evaluated before selecting a system. These ERP software costs will depend on the size and complexity of your company which can be segregated into 3 tiers: 1. Tier One ERP / Enterprise Company Revenues > $250M Employees > 500 Annual license fees > […]
