Implementation of ERP Applications

ERP implementation entails all the process involved before developing a successfully functioning ERP system. Six phases come to mind when we talk about the implementation of ERP. These include discovery and planning phase, design phase, development phase, testing phase, deployment phase and the ongoing support. It should be noted that the phases don’t necessarily follow this order as there might be the need to repeat certain stages. This article looks at the different stages involved in the implementation of Cloud ERP.

Discovery and Planning

During this first phase, there is creation of the project team. Meetings are held and documentation exchanged. The team sits down and looks at the issues being faced and their prospective solutions. A project plan that will be the guide throughout the project is also constructed.

  • Design

When talking about design, we don’t mean painting and re-arranging of the office. Instead, this is how the ERP will look like and how the organization is going to benefit from it. During this phase, the project team in conjunction with the implementation team works out the configurations for the system, roles and the standard procedures to be followed.

  • Development

In this phase, the ERP system is being prepared and developed for going public. Activities involved in this stage include importing data, creating any needed customizations as well as developing the user trainings. All possible problems that may arise in the future are resolved in this stage.

  • Testing

Just as its name suggests, this phase is for testing whether the system is ready for use. Any major changes are made in this stage. The operation of the system must align with the requirements of the project. The project team and implementation team must agree with the results. The testing phase is the final stage before the ERP system goes live to the public.

  • Deployment

Before going live, the project team and implementation team agrees whether to continue with the system. The final data is loaded and validated prior to going live. Also, in this stage, a new team is chosen and trained. This new team will work with this new system and stop using the old one.

  • Ongoing support

After the ERP system has gone live, the purpose and function of the project team shifts. Also, with time, changes and advancement with the system may be required. This is in accordance with how the system evolves and how it is being used.

Conclusion

All these phases are important in determining the success of the ERP system. Each stage carries its unique function. As mentioned earlier, some back and forth might be required between phases to ensure that the system is runs smoothly. Before going live, the system must be tested that it can work, otherwise, the results will be catastrophic. If everything goes well, life is made easier thanks to the advancement of technology. ERP makes life easier and is the way to go.