Common Problems And Solutions In ERP Software Implementation
For any new business, getting ERP software implementation correctly first time is an absolute requirement. If all goes fine then you have a solution that will enhance productivity, enhance staff efficiency, decrease costs, raise sales and provide your customers with up to date information and services. For an inexperienced IT department, selection of ERP vendor and implementation of ERP software can be time-consuming, expensive and highlights complex problems.
There may be lots of common problems in ERP software implementation. These mistakes or problems should be avoided for a successful implementation of ERP software. Some of the common problems and solutions in ERP software implementation are given here:
1. Poor planning: Proper planning is necessary if you want to get success in your ERP project. Many organizations do not do adequate planning before starting an ERP software evaluation. This can leads to confusion down the way as they may not fully understand their present procedure and how to develop them to maximize business efficiencies and benefits. As a solution of this common problem in ERP software implementation, the organizations should conduct an internal analysis of all of the policies and processes before selecting ERP software. You should make a proper planning for the implementation of ERP software.
2. Improperly selection of ERP vendors: Many of organizations are sold by the vendor’s marketing team; but once the implementation of ERP software is complete there may be many system functionality restrictions such as lack of capabilities, the impact on existing internal greatest practices. You should always ask for references i.e. the names of at least 3 companies of your business sector, to contact and discuss with them about the software’s functionality, features, and problems.
3. Not understanding or using key features: according to a survey, only 46% of respondents have a good understanding of the features that they are using in their ERP software. This is shocking that thousands of companies invest in their ERP software without knowing features. It may lead to more costly upgrades, enhancements, and maintenance as well they are less likely to succeed. You should create a master list with all features and review the list to determine that which features are being used and which are the most beneficial.
4. Underestimating the time and resources required: Another problem in ERP software implementation is underestimating the time and resources required. Almost all companies underestimate the time and resources required for implementation of new ERP software. You should make a proper estimation of time and resources required to implement ERP software.
5. Not having the right key users: ERP software implementation is one of the largest projects that an organization can undertake. Not having the right key users can lead to several mistakes and disrupt in the plan, so you should have right key users who should actively engaged with the ERP software implementation.
6. Lack of proper training and change management: A lack of proper training and change management is one of the most common mistakes and problems in ERP software implementation. It can lead to resistance of employees in the new system as they do will not be able to understand it. You should provide proper training and change management.
All of these are common problems and solution in ERP software implementation that should be remembered at the time of implementation of ERP software.
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