Project Preparation
ERP Project Preparation These are the
Final Bosses of a
Punctual Implementation
Final Bosses
Punctual
Staying on time and on budget is still considered one of the main objectives 🎯 of ERP projects. However, achieving these goals is anything but easy! There are numerous factors before and during your project that can have a strong influence. This article focuses on the aspect of “time”. ⏰ What factors influence project completion within the original timeline? And more importantly, how can you prevent such delays through good preparation and proactive action?
Meeting the Deadline: every Project Manager’s Dream
The implementation of new ERP software with a go-live on the originally planned date is probably the dream of every project manager. Meeting the set deadline can be important for a company for several reasons. Think of the cancellation of support for the previously used ERP system. Or the spin-off of the parent company in the event of a management buyout.
All in all, it is essential to allow sufficient time for the ERP implementation, because haste rarely leads to good results.
Six Final Bosses of a Punctual Implementation of your ERP Project - and Powerful Strategies for Success
What are some of the most common reasons for missed deadlines and what strategies can you use to avoid them?
1. There was Overly Optimistic Planning
Many plans are built on the desire to meet a specific go-live date and much less on the actual time required.
Strategy: find out about the time your vendors need for the implementation process. Additionally, ask other companies that have already implemented ERP about their experience with lead times.
2. The Importance of certain Activities is underestimated
Your new project lays the foundation for your “ERP architecture” for the next five to ten years. It is not advisable to rush things at this stage. Or to skip certain activities.
Strategy: so take enough time to train your end users properly. And never skimp on testing time: quality always takes time!
3. The Decision-making Process takes too long
Many companies find it difficult to make a final decision on a vendor and a solution in the selection phase. And yet the go-live date is often already set. Every day of delay therefore shortens the implementation time by one day.
Strategy: avoid this delay simply by deciding in good time.
4. You assume that every Shortlisted Solution requires the same Implementation Time
Every solution is different. And each requires a different lead time for implementation. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions here!
Strategy: ask any vendor you are considering for an estimate of their implementation time early on.
5. There is not sufficient Internal Capacity
Providing sufficient internal capacity in the form of employees with a suitable profile is crucial for timely project success.
Strategy: make sure that you have people with the right profile available for the duration of the entire project.
6. Complexity is added during Implementation
As your teams get to know the new solution better, they will quickly develop further insights. This often leads to the desire to implement additional functions. Or to add additional reports. This enthusiasm is always good, but it can also get in the way if you get too caught up in the details and lose sight of the actual goal.
Strategy: first, make sure you record these desires. However, you should only assess their suitability for the next phase after the go-live.
A Wish List for your ERP Solution: How to
fulfill your Employees'
Wishes - without losing Focus
fulfill
Wishes -
Prepare well for a Timely Implementation - ideally with Expert Support
Would you like to find out more about how you can implement your new ERP solution or your migration to the cloud within your time and cost budget? Then please contact us.
