ERP Post Implementation Planning

Summary

The post-implementation phase of an ERP system is just as critical as the initial rollout. After the dust settles, companies must focus on ongoing training, regular software updates, and identifying additional features that enhance system use. Annual reviews, continued employee education, and a thorough business process analysis are essential for optimizing the ERP system and ensuring long-term success. Companies should consider process optimization as an ongoing effort, not a one-time task, to fully leverage their ERP investment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Post-implementation is just as crucial as the initial ERP implementation phase.
• 😀 Keeping up with software updates and new features is important to maintain system effectiveness.
• 😀 Successful ERP implementations involve multiple phases beyond just the initial setup.
• 😀 End users may struggle to absorb all the information in initial training, so ongoing education is vital.
• 😀 Plan for regular training for 6 months to a year post-implementation to ensure optimization of the ERP system.
• 😀 Post-implementation reviews help identify additional features and refine the ERP plan to suit company needs.
• 😀 Annual software updates often introduce powerful new features, which require analysis and adaptation.
• 😀 Lack of thorough business process analysis before implementation can lead to disappointing results.
• 😀 Some companies regress to old methods, underutilizing their ERP system and not maximizing their investment.
• 😀 Process optimization should be continuous to achieve long-term success with ERP systems.

Q & A

What is the focus of the post-implementation phase of ERP?

The post-implementation phase of ERP focuses on keeping up with software updates, identifying additional features that benefit the company, and providing ongoing training to ensure optimal use of the system.

Why is ongoing training important after ERP implementation?

Ongoing training is crucial because end users may struggle to absorb all the information during the initial training. Expanding training 6 months to a year after implementation ensures employees fully optimize the company's investment in the system.

What role does a post-implementation review play in ERP success?

A post-implementation review helps identify additional features that could benefit the company, and tailors a plan to meet the organization’s specific needs. This process ensures that the system evolves with the company's requirements.

How frequently does Viewpoint release software updates?

Viewpoint releases software updates annually, often introducing entirely new and powerful processes that can enhance the ERP system's capabilities.

What is the purpose of the annual new release analysis in a post-implementation plan?

The annual new release analysis is an important part of a comprehensive post-implementation plan as it helps evaluate and incorporate the latest software updates, ensuring the company remains competitive and efficient.

What common mistake do companies make regarding business process analysis during ERP implementation?

A common mistake is not conducting a thorough business process analysis prior to implementation. Some companies also regress to old ways of doing things and fail to fully utilize the new system, ultimately shelving the new tools.

Why is process optimization considered an ongoing activity in successful companies?

Process optimization is ongoing because businesses must continually evolve and improve their operations to remain competitive. ERP systems are tools that require regular updates and adjustments to maximize their effectiveness.

What is the main reason companies can be disappointed with their ERP implementation?

Companies may be disappointed with their ERP implementation if they fail to thoroughly analyze their business processes beforehand or if they revert to old processes after implementing the system, thereby not realizing the full potential of their investment.

What does a comprehensive post-implementation plan include?

A comprehensive post-implementation plan includes regular ongoing training, a review of new software updates, annual new release analysis, and a continuous assessment of business processes to ensure the system is fully optimized.

How can companies ensure they are getting the most out of their ERP system post-implementation?

Companies can ensure they are getting the most out of their ERP system by providing continuous training for employees, regularly reviewing new software updates, and conducting annual process reviews to optimize operations.