Phases of ERP Implementation

Implementing an ERP program is not an easy process since it takes enough time and effort to get it right. It usually takes a few months or longer to incorporate an ERP, depending on the scale of the project. That is because the ERP program has to be introduced, configured, and then modified to suit the has of specific business sectors.

An ERP implementation becomes only successful if it perfectly fits the current business needs and aspirations. Therefore it is crucial that it gets an adequate amount of time to deliver the final product. Though the ERP implementation timeline is long, the implementation process can be divided into different stages making it more manageable.

Different Phases of ERP Implementation:

1. Project Initial setup: The first and foremost step to implementing an ERP is the implementation phase of the project. During this process, the business client contacts the companies/vendors involved in the ERP implementation to discuss the project. A thorough conversation is held between the pair, covering grass-root level details such as the market the company belongs to, what their criteria are, what kinds of customizations they are looking for.
2. GAP Analysis: The second step to introducing ERP is to carry out an audit of the gaps. Here the recommended techno-functional consultant visits the business unit of the customer to understand in depth the deficiencies while recommending the best approach for improving the business performance. The consultant performs a gap analysis to assess the current business environment, the processes involved and how the ERP program can be transformed into the best solution for the current business requirement.
3. Customization: A document is created at the end of the gap analysis and the ERP implementation company will create a team of developers for project execution and the software development will begin on the basis of the document prepared.
4. Testing: Any software will operate as a test run before it goes online. It helps to clarify the flaws or other problems that need to be repaired.
5. Migrating Data: Data migration is the method of the transition of existing data from the previous to the newly implemented program.
6. User-level Testing: It helps in recognizing how effective the introduction of ERP has been and there are some more improvements to be done before the launch of the program in order to achieve the best outcome from the new application.
7. Training: the user will be provided with training from the side of consultants, helping them to understand the software workflow.
8. Go Live: For the near future the latest software will continue to run in parallel with the old program. It brings peace of mind to the company owner and helps ensure that there are no problems.

The above 8 steps are the phases of every ERP Implementation. ERP is a common term, and a number of ERP Software are available in the market. Both opensource and non-opensouce are available now. Odoo Implementation is a part of opensource ERP Software. In Odoo ERP, we easily customize modules according to our business strategies. because of opensource.

ERP Implementation failure is one of the risks we phase during the implementation. This happens with some failures. insufficient testing, poor adaption and implementation, underestimating resources are some of the factors that affect ERP implementation failure.

Kevin John is a leading tech blogger generally featuring various Erps and business automation software. He recently focused his attention on Odoo Erp and various aspects of the software in the business.