ERP Implementation Checklist

ERP plays a vital role in any organization. Implementing ERP Software can be a challenging and cumbersome task. So, it becomes crucial for Enterprises to be aware of the implementation process before they begin working on it. 

Let’s get to the point straight. A survey by Ultraconsultants found that, 

As seen above, it is evident that Enterprises need a proper ERP Implementation plan. Your ERP investment is at risk without the right ERP implementation plan. So, to avert risk, we have prepared an ERP implementation checklist that can help you ensure a successful ERP implementation. 

The Ultimate ERP implementation checklist for Enterprises:

Every ERP implementation varies depending on the company’s requirements and size. In this blog, we will be discussing some of the typical phases and checklists involved in the ERP implementation  

Before you start your implementation process, you need to prep on planning certain vital aspects involved, and they are listed below:  

1. Deliverables:

Before the implementation process, it is essential to identify, name, and describe the software you are implementing and the total cost required.

2. Timeline for each category:

Next, we need to finalize a start and finish date. If there are no specific dates, then go with an estimated date.

3. Pre-implementation preparation:

Analyse the implementation plan and prepare for any needs during the process so that no other work is interrupted.

4. Eliminate unnecessary items:

Removing the processes not involved in the implementation stage is necessary to put the implementation on the right track.

5. Expected outcomes:

To have clear insights and achieve business goals, it is important to establish the right expectations and how the new software should be used.

6. Potential implementation challenges:

This implementation stage is anything that needs to be fixed or adjusted after your new software is deployed.

7. Finalize training methods:

At last, it’s essential to decide the training methods that will be used by the organization to deliver the program.

The Key Drivers:

Once you start the process, the major challenge you might encounter would be change resistance.

Resistance to newERP implementation is normal among employees since it will raise many questions regarding upgrading assets and how the change will help them.

So, before implementing ERP within an organization, we must create a change management plan to make the transition easier and smoother for the employees. Not carrying out this stage of ERP implementation can result in an ERP failure and cost a lot to the Enterprise. 

Below are some of the important checks needed in implementing the Change management plan: 

A. Employee driving plan –

Before setting goals for your employees, motivating them for the change is important. You need to provide in-depth information about how the ERP implementation can help them excel in their job and its impact on the organization.

B. Set clear goals –

Once the employees are clear about the implementation plan, you need to set clear metrics and goals to track the progress and identify whether the implementation will help the organization achieve the desired business goals.

C. Communicate it properly –

Establish proper communication channels and feedback loop to maximize productivity with the new ERP implementation. This can help to eliminate confusion, achieve goals on time and make sure that the flow of information is transparent.

D. Involve employees in the decision-making process –

ERP systems will be used by the employees and must be part of your decision-making process. There needs to be a team that regularly meets with employees to analyze and discuss the change management process. This can help employees overcome inhibitions and feel connected with the process, helping the organization get their buy-in.

Onboarding and Training Plan:

Once the change management plan is devised, it goes to the training phase, which is crucial as it defines how well the employees will use the new changes and features to the fullest.