News & views - Page 3 of 17

ERP Software Sunset: Navigating Dynamics GP End of Life

January 22, 2025 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

Unfortunately, when it comes to ERP sunsets, they are not as beautiful as the sunsets you might see over a lake at the cottage like the one above. The big sunset story comes from Microsoft that announced in September 2024 that it will end support for Dynamics Great Plains (Dynamics GP) on September 30, 2029. Security patches will be available until April 30, 2031. It’s not time to panic if you have Dynamics GP, but it is time to consider your options. The truth is that sooner or later you will need to move to another solution. Those of us […]

Migrating your ERP Systems to the Cloud (2)

Migrating your ERP on-premise software to the cloud

November 25, 2024 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

There is a big push by the ERP vendors to convince their clients to migrate their on-premise software to the cloud. The vendors have selfish reasons to promote the cloud, but they also give compelling reasons to their clients to do it. There is resistance if everything now is mostly working and it’s going to cost a lot to do it. This article is not going to try and convince you to go to the cloud as there are more than enough reasons already in the public domain. From our perspective, it’s only a matter of time before you jump […]

180 Systems - ERP Implementation Tips and Tráp

ERP Implementation Tips and Traps

November 6, 2024 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

We will be providing a series of articles with tips and traps to avoid based on ourexperience.Vendors have a defined process to implement their systems that could includecompleting a form to define your needs (a discovery process). The problem is thatthe sales team has not done a proper hand-over to the implementation team. Ineffect, you are starting all over again, which is a waste of time. But that’s not thebiggest problem with this approach. The biggest problem is that the implementer isnot aware of your specific requirements and may not address them until well intothe implementation process when they find […]

ERP Implementation Project Management Consultants

October 15, 2024 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

The rubber hits the road when you implement an ERP system. You need to be ready for it, which requires you to define the roles and responsibilities for the project and assign people to each role. It is best to use your own people for all roles with the possible exception of the project manager. Many organizations don’t have the internal project management expertise, or their resources are not available. Therefore, it makes sense to bring in an expert who has been there and done it before to help you mitigate the risks and guide you to a successful implementation. […]

Upgrade your ERP Software

October 9, 2024 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

Many companies avoid an ERP upgrade like they would a plague especially if it involved redoing any customizations, which could break on the upgrade and will require retesting. But unfortunately, there will come a time when you have no choice when the vendor no longer supports your version of the software. What do you do? One option would be to replace the existing system, but that’s drastic and would only be justified if: The vendor is not investing in the software and you’re not able to take advantage of newer technology such as a web interface, multi-tenant architecture and AI. […]

AI Project Management Hype

October 1, 2024 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

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ERP Software Selection by Independent ERP Consultants

September 30, 2024 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

Why Independent ERP Consultants? Why should be obvious – you don’t want a consulting firm who is biased to steer you in a direction that would be beneficial for them. The benefit could be cash (but unlikely), or it could be selected to implement the system selected as they have a team who implements the chosen system. Some consulting firms could implement what they consider all the leading systems and therefore consider themselves independent ERP consultants. But what if the best solution is with a lesser-known system designed for a specific industry? Some consulting firms claim a “ethical wall” (the […]

Why Your Business Needs a Digital Marketing Audit to Thrive Online

June 23, 2024 | 0 Comments | Alice Mai

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the online presence of your business can be the defining factor between success and stagnation. But how can you be sure that your digital strategies are truly effective? This is where a digital marketing audit proves to be an invaluable tool. If you’re noticing stagnant sales, a decline in traffic, or poor engagement metrics, it’s crucial to reassess your marketing strategies. Here’s a comprehensive guide on why a thorough digital marketing audit by 180 Systems is essential to rejuvenating your online presence and fostering significant business growth. Understanding the Value of a Digital Marketing Audit […]

How Long Does ERP Implementation Really Take?

April 18, 2024 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

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Evaluating the Statement of Work – Project Management

December 21, 2021 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

The Statement of Work (SOW) provided by the vendor for an ERP implementation is a critical document. It is the vendor’s way of defining the terms of the engagement and it is understandably used by them to maximize their profitability and to protect themselves when things go wrong. The SOW is not like other contracts that have been vetted by the lawyers many times and very difficult to change. The vendors will negotiate the terms in the SOW, and you need to review it carefully especially with regard to scope and roles and responsibilities. We are going to write […]