If your team is evaluating a new ERP or WMS Solution you should make sure the vendors you choose for consideration have a process in place for successful implementation and you have a selection process. With over twenty years of software implementation experience we know that positive results require a careful approach. Not wanting to give away all of our secrets here is a high level outline of a method that will help you.
Determining You Need A New Solution
1.) Take a Good Solid Look at What You Have in Place Now.
Are you certain you are using all of the current functionality your existing system has to offer? Could you use more training? Have you upgraded recently? Would you be better served by another vendor or consultant? After you’ve exhausted that effort and you want to move forward with a new solution create a team of employees with your organization to view software demonstrations. Make sure the team asks questions and starts to take ownership of the decision.
2.) Delegate an Internal Project Manager
His or her job will be to help accommodate schedules and action items. That individual will need to be able to devote his/her time to the entire process. So realigning some duties will be required to free up this important resource.
3.) Create Your Own (not a canned RFP) Listing of Your Expectations for the New Solution.
You should also have a budget in mind for the software, implementation services, support, hardware and general consulting. You should share that with your potential vendors. You should also request to speak to or visit references when you’ve narrowed down the solution to one or two potential vendors.
Here is a High Level Understanding
Of Our Process for New Manufacturing and Distribution Clients
- Project Training and Kick Off
- Detailed on Site Business Walk-Through and Analysis
- Preparation of Detailed Project Plan
- Assistance in Setting Up A Test Environment
- Determination of Any Modifications with Detailed Specifications and Customer Sign Off
- Conference Room Pilot Sessions Followed Up By Detailed Documentation of Your Processes
- Training Your Employees (Extremely Important)
- A Pre-Go Live Stress Test
- Preparation of a Detailed Pre-Go Live Check List
- Determination of a Go Live Date
- On Site Support During Go Live
- Follow Up Support
