Build an ERP Selection & Implementation Strategy

IT leaders and senior executives often have tremendous fear of ERP. There’s a good reason.
ERP selection is a laborious process with many different stage gates.
Different enterprises need to put particular focus on different aspects of the selection process depending on industry, business case, and the selected solution provider.

Our Advice

Critical Insight

Following a process for ERP selection is important but not sufficient. IT leaders must focus specifically on the key challenges that they can expect to face and develop a strategy for overcoming them. Each individual enterprise has unique challenges. But they will certainly include:

Preparing end users for change.
Transitioning the project to operation.
Documenting business processes.
Effectively engaging sponsors.
Managing implementation partners.

Impact and Result

Prepare for the ERP selection and implementation cycle by using Info-Tech’s step-by-step methodology including tools, templates, and other resources.
Anticipate the key challenges the project will face based on factors such as the size of the enterprise, industry, and ERP experience.
Formulate strategies to mitigate the impact of these key challenges and to monitor them throughout the project.

Build an ERP Selection & Implementation Strategy Research & Tools

1. Formulate a strategy

Anticipate key challenges in ERP selection and implementation.

2. Create a project plan

Ensure successful project completion.

3. Initiate the project

Get relevant business units involved.

4. Engage business unit managers

Elicit detailed requirements.

5. Keep SMEs engaged

Validate requirements.

6. Assess ERP readiness

Ensure that the enterprise can support ERP.

7. Collect relevant information

Facilitate RFP and vendor demo script preparation.

8. Talk to ERP solution providers

Avoid early project delays.

9. Track tasks

Ensure timely project completion.

10. Transition smoothly to operation

Avoid the most common project challenges.

11. Create documentation

Ensure IT support.

12. Get the right ERP project sponsor

Get the project done.

About Info-Tech

Info-Tech Research Group is the world’s fastest-growing information technology research and advisory company, proudly serving over 30,000 IT professionals.

We produce unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and IT leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. We partner closely with IT teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

What Is a Blueprint?

A blueprint is designed to be a roadmap, containing a methodology and the tools and templates you need to solve your IT problems.

Each blueprint can be accompanied by a Guided Implementation that provides you access to our world-class analysts to help you get through the project.

Table of Contents

Talk to an Analyst

Our analyst calls are focused on helping our members use the research we produce, and our experts will guide you to successful project completion.

Book an Analyst Call on This Topic

You can start as early as tomorrow morning. Our analysts will explain the process during your first call.

Get Advice From a Subject Matter Expert

Each call will focus on explaining the material and helping you to plan your project, interpret and analyze the results of each project step, and set the direction for your next project step.

Author

George Goodall

Contributors

Over 40 enterprises contributed, and more than 20 IT leaders have provided insights. The contributors will remain anonymous due to security and competitive concerns.

Search Code: 28560
Last Revised: January 27, 2011

TAGS:

Oracle, SAP, ERP, enterprise resource planning, Epicor, Infor, Microsoft Dynamics, resource, Lawson, ERP best practices, ERP evaluation, financial systems, enterprise resources, resource planning