ERP Project Management
ERP Project management is a key factor in predicting success of any project. We are seasoned veterans in project management with certifications (Project Management Professional) from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
ERP Implementation Project Management
The ERP software selection project is now over and now the hard work begins, which is to implement the selected system. The new ERP implementation is a big project and requires skilled project managers. Our clients often don’t have a lot of experience in ERP implementation project management. The vendors have project managers but their focus is project management of their own resources rather than that of our clients. It is also possible that there are conflicting views of scope between the ERP vendor and our clients.
As project manager for our clients, we will ensure that these and any other conflicts are resolved expeditiously and fairly. Our focus is strictly on ERP project management rather than product or ERP software management. The knowledge of the ERP software should be acquired by the internal resources of our clients as this knowledge is vital to the ongoing support of the ERP software.
ERP Implementation Project Management Methodology
1. Project Planning & Team Assignment
- The core project team is assigned with roles & responsibilities
- Define project CSFs as project goals
2. Project Initiation
- Build the project governance package including the project charter, project plan, RAID Log, financial tracker, data tracker, training matrix, change management plan, escalation paths, etc.
- Conduct the implementation planning workshop with the core team
3. Implementation Project Management
- Weekly status calls with the core team, project/executive sponsor, and the vendor project manager
- Manage resources and tasks on detailed project plan and sub-plans
4. User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
- Build test script & tracker
- Manage the UAT process including completing testing with a 100% pass rate
5. Cut-over Plan
- Build and manage the cut-over plan containing all open loads, GoLive prep tasks, and end user training
- Present the GoLive kickoff meeting to the core team
- Complete GoLive readiness assessment with 100% score and sign off for GoLive
6. Go-Live Checklist and Hypercare
- Complete GoLive day 1 & week 1 checklist
- Manage the Issues log through GoLive and complete the 1st month-end in the new system
7. Transition to Sustainment
- Build and present the transition plan to the project/executive sponsor
- Close off any outstanding Phase 1 items and formalize Phase 2
Not sure what ERP software to implement?
Learn more about our ERP Software Selection Service
Trusted by 150+ Clients
We had a really good experience in the ERP software selection process and was impressed with the project management methodology and their experience. 180 Systems provided an objective view to compare ERP software solutions. Michael was really good, no nonsense, he pushed people that had to be pushed, asked the right questions. On the ERP project implementation side, Alex was especially good, well-spoken and well-prepared, and he was highly regarded by our management team. He did a good job of managing prioritizing tasks, and keeping us on track when necessary.
Michael Costello, CFO
Given on: July 10, 2024
I can’t say enough good things about Alex and Michael, they were wonderful to work with. The Business Process Review was probably the most valuable thing for our company - reviewing how all the teams interact with each other. They helped us draft the RFP and vetted the responses so we could narrow down the list of vendors to our top three. Michael was incredible on our actual contract negotiations, guiding us on where we could push back, resulting in savings that essentially paid for the 180 Systems fees. Once we had selected the ERP software, Alex helped us through the entire ERP project implementation process – we wouldn’t have been able to do it without his knowledge and support.
Elizabeth Galloway
Given on: November 8, 2022
We did an extensive search for the appropriate expert independent ERP consultant for a litigation on a ERP software related issue. Michael Burns's qualifications and background fit our requirements. Michael always dealt with us in a professional way. Michael provided two reports commenting on the system that was put into place in the matter under litigation. We enjoyed working with him both on the phone and in person.
Svitlana Levit, Director of Finance and Administration
Given on: April 5, 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does an ERP implementation project manager do?
An ERP implementation project manager plans and controls the project on the client’s behalf. 180 Systems builds a governance package (project charter, project plan, RAID log, financial tracker, data tracker, training matrix, change management plan and escalation paths), runs weekly status calls with the core team, sponsor and vendor project manager, and manages resources and tasks through go-live and the move to sustainment.
Why hire an independent ERP project manager if the vendor provides one?
The vendor’s project manager is accountable for the vendor’s work. An independent ERP project manager represents the client, tracks both sides against one plan and escalates issues. 180 Systems focuses strictly on ERP project management, not on product or ERP software management.
What are the phases of ERP implementation project management?
There are seven phases: project planning and team assignment, project initiation, implementation project management, user acceptance testing, cutover planning, go-live with hypercare, and transition to sustainment.
How does user acceptance testing work?
180 Systems builds a test script and a tracker, then manages testing to completion. The methodology targets a 100% pass rate before the project moves on to cutover.
What does an ERP cutover plan include?
A cutover plan covers open loads, go-live preparation and end user training. 180 Systems also presents a go-live kickoff and completes a readiness assessment, with a target score of 100% and a sign off before go-live.
What is ERP hypercare?
Hypercare is the period right after go-live when the project team resolves issues quickly. 180 Systems completes day 1 and week 1 checklists, manages the issues log and supports the first month end close in the new system.
What happens after go-live?
After hypercare, 180 Systems presents a transition plan to the sponsor, closes outstanding phase 1 items and formalizes phase 2. This hands the system to the internal team for ongoing support.
What if the company has not chosen its ERP yet?
Project management starts after the software and implementer are chosen. A company still deciding can start with ERP software selection.