If you’re failing to plan, is that all you’re doing? The answer is no. You’re actually doing something far more dangerous, which is making a plan to fail. Not the most ideal situation, right?
And we’re not talking about something specific. This happens in almost everything you do , like, umm, yeah, “Implementing ERP for small business.”
It’s already a complicated process, which gets trickier if you don’t follow reliable support. How can you avoid all hell breaking loose? If you know the vital phases required in ERP development.
Before moving further, there’s one thing you need to have in mind. ERP implementation is not an overnight success story. You can’t go one day wanting an ERP and expect it to be functional the next day. Instead, it’s about going through different phases to get the desired outcome with ERP software.
If that’s something you want, you’ve just struck gold. In this post, we will talk about the four phases needed for ERP development.
So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Plan
Dig up a mountain to find a mole. Does that saying sound familiar? Likely that you’re not hearing for the first time. If you pursue something without planning for it, the end result will not be what you want.
So, before taking that first step, your planning should be spot on. You can ensure this by:
- Visiting the physical location
- Understanding your business processes
- Suggesting a feasible ERP solution
- Deciding on the ERP scope and functionalities
We know what’s on your mind. You’d be thinking, “But is it really necessary to go through all these hoops?” Well, as mentioned above, it’s important if you don’t want your efforts to go in vain.
Execute
Once you’re done planning, it’s time for the next step – putting the plan into action. Since the pathing is now clear, the ERP providers can now act according to the plan. So why was the planning necessary? If that didn’t happen, you’d be just shooting in the dark.
Knowing what to do and how to do it can reduce a lot of time and effort when you begin the execution phase. And brace yourself, as the planning ensures the next phase goes smoothly.
Testing
Some ERP providers perform execution and testing simultaneously, while others do it separately. Asking which method is correct will be like questioning, “Which of your eyes is more important?”
Both methods are effective. It depends upon your preference on which technique you want to go with.
What exactly happens in this phase? Well, for starters, the testing phase ensures implementation complements the requirements and plan. It’s basically ticking all the boxes and ensuring clients get the desired ERP functionalities.
If the business wants an ERP for customer relations and ends up getting something else, what’s the point of that time and effort?
Deployment
The big day is finally here. A day when your business processes will get a major boost as the ERP software. Was the investment of time and finances worth it? You are about to find out.
But not so fast. This phase may take longer than you would expect. Why? Because it will be a massive change from your current way of managing operations to an ERP.
There will be things like
- Migrating data and information
- Employee training required
- Troubleshooting to resolve errors
This all may sound complicated on paper. But if you have a reliable provider of ERP software in Pakistan like ERInsight, there’ll be a smooth transition.
Final Say
ERP can give you that boost to beat your competition. As you now know the phases of ERP Implementation, you’ll have a better experience when you decide to get an ERP for your business.
If you’re still in doubt about whether you need an ERP or not, ask yourself the question, “Don’t you want to do away with the old way?”