Different phases in ERP implementation.
No matter, into what business you are, implementation of an ERP is very crucial to achieve the desired business goal and income. Implementation of an ERP software is not a simple task as it demands ample time and effort in getting it right. Typically an ERP implementation takes few months or more depending upon the project size. This is because the ERP software must be implemented, configured, and later customized according to the need of various business industries.
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.
Here are the different ERP implementation phases.
1. Project initiation
The first and foremost step of an ERP implementation is the project initiation phase. During this phase, the business client contacts the ERP implementation companies/vendors to discuss the project. A detailed talk is carried between the duo, discussing grass root level information like what industry the business belong to, what are their requirements, what kinds of customizations are they looking for. Also, a detail discussion is held on the different module requirements and how to do they seek the benefit out of it. Once upon, getting the detailed project ideas, the implementation company will assign the best techno-functional expert to carry the task successfully.
2. Gap analysis
Once the discussion is successfully carried, the second step of ERP implementation is to carry forward a gap analysis. Here the prescribed techno-functional consultant visits the client’s business unit to understand in detail the shortcomings thereby suggest the best solution to enhance the business efficiency. The consultant conducts a gap analysis determining the current business state, the processes involved within and how to turn the ERP software as the optimal solution for the current business requirement. The gap analysis report will have the inclusions like company structure, employees in total, the internal departments working within and the information flow from location to location. In short, the techno-functional consultant makes sure that he gets the best knowledge of the business verticals to implement the right software for business
3. Software customization
A business Requirement Document (BRD) is made at the end of gap analysis and based upon the BRD prepared, the ERP implementation company will build a team of developers for project execution and the software customization begins. The developer team starts configuring the software according to the preset options followed by customizing them with additional features bringing flexibility in work.
4. Testing
Any software should be a test run before the going live. This helps in understanding the shortcomings or any bugs to be fixed. After the successful software customization, the ERP implementation partner will go for testing to check whether the codes work properly. This involves both unit testing and another internal testing.
5. Data migration
Once the successful ERP implementation gets complete, the client urges for data migration. Data migration is the process of transferring the existing data from the prior software to the newly implemented one. All pertinent information including the access rights, passwords, etc. will be put in place here. Integrity checks will also be carried out to make sure the data are successfully transferred without any mishaps.
6. User acceptance testing
Via User Acceptance testing, the specific users within the company go for a run test of the new ERP software in parallel to their old software for making sure they achieved what they desired for. This helps in understanding how far the ERP implementation has been successful and is there any further changes to be met before the software deployment to ensure the best outcome from new ERP application.
7. User training
After the successful implementation of ERP, the user will be provided with a training from the side of consultants, helping them to understand the software workflow. The training will help the end users to derive the best outcome from software via efficiently using them. The training will be carried in accordance with the specific functions, e.g. for sales, marketing, accounting, etc. The training is carried either online or offline, depending on the customer requirement.
8. Go live
The new software continues to run in parallel with the old software for the near future. This gives the business owner peace of mind and helps confirm that there are no issues.
Cybrosys is one of the best Odoo implementation partners with specialization in various industry domains like Manufacturing, Trading, Accounting, Sale and Purchase. If your business is looking for an ERP implementation in Odoo, kindly drop your requirements to info@cybrosys.com