A large part of my job is to engage new prospects in discussions about their new ERP systems and it always strikes me as a bit odd that my discussions typically start off with prospects listing off features and functions. Perhaps this is just an easy place to start but I always feel that it is important to move the discussions up a level to ensure that we consider Guiding Principles in our discussions about any ERP implementation to avoid winding up being on
It can be difficult to get a customer to buy into discussing guiding principles especially when they are solely focused on price and/or want to manage their own process however I find that most clients and prospects are open to the discussion and more often than not feel that the process brings alignment and understanding about the approach and how the engagement will take shape. ERP implementations that have a set of Guiding Principles outlined to use as a framework for the engagement are one of the keys to successfully implementing ERP solutions and enabling valuable long term partnerships.
Some guiding principles that we have worked to develop with our clients that have proved successful are:
- The ERP Solution shall be implemented to enable automation to support business growth by leveraging technology and limit the hiring of additional human resources
- The ERP Solution shall be implemented to limit a reliance on manual processes to consolidate subsidiary data, limit redundant data processing, increase data validation and help to increase user adoption
- The ERP Solution shall be implemented in phases in order to limit initial budget expenditure and provide a foundational, transformational platform for growth. Requirements should be approached with consideration for their impact and budget in order to determine their priority in the scope of the ERP platform.
- The ERP Solution shall be implemented to enable operational efficiency and to implement change within the organization. Emphasis on adoption of new processes, process improvement, and efficiency are the priorities of the implementation.
Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you're interested in learning more about setting Guiding Principles in your ERP engagement!
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