We live in uncertain times, so going digital may save your business. Choosing the right ERP solution for your team may take some time. See what an implementation process should look like!
“There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.”
Niccolo Machiavelli
The Prince (1532)
With the Coronavirus pandemic and unstable economy, companies are looking more to digitalization, including the construction industry, as many are now forced to work from home. We know that cloud-based ERP solutions can help in the battle against Coronavirus, and here are some tips on the ERP Implementation Process - Do’s and Don'ts for a more efficient implementation of a solution for you.
Commitment From the Project Sponsor - The solution that you choose needs you, as Project Sponsor, to take ownership and commit resources to the Implementation Process.
The Commitment of Resources - Champions for the Chosen Solution - The providing company will need you to appoint a Change Champion who will work with the Implementation Consultant, making sure that the change is supported in your organization Your involvement is crucial to the success of the correct implementation of the cloud-based ERP system!
Think About Your Process and Document It - During the Implementation Process of the construction management software, one file will be key to the correct setup of your system, and will be filled out by your Archdesk Champion: the Account Structure Form. It will hold the types of projects and processes inside your company, along with the department’s setup. The construction ERP of your choosing should allow you to model the tool according to your needs and the processes that you have - not the other way around. Keep in mind that no cloud-based ERP system is built as a one tool fits all!
Communication Is Key! In all Implementation Processes, the information flow should never be cut. The responsible person, from the construction ERP software side, will be the Implementation Consultant and, on your side, the Change Champion.
Training options - During the Implementation Process, the Implementation Consultant will guide and configure the construction management software for your company’s needs. You will have a System Walkthrough with your team and then an Online/Onsite Training that will allow you to deep dive into the construction ERP you have bought. Moving forward, sending a Support Query or accessing the ever-expanding Knowledge Database is always possible.
Over-The-Top Expectations - Set correct expectations from the beginning of your quest. You have found a construction ERP software solution for your needs. What are your expectations? What effect will it have on your company and your processes in the future? Having it as your Solution will change things. That is why you should come prepared for the Implementation Process and express your expectations to the Implementation Consultant. Then, as you work together as a team, you will not be frustrated along the way due to the Consultant not being able to guess your expectations.
Bring in Old/Bad/Inconsistent Processes/Departments - Before working with the Implementation Consultant, have a look at the Processes inside your company and weed out the old, bad or inconsistent processes and think about re-formatting them. What would the optimal process look like? Consider the Departments you have and see if people need to be moved around or if new departments should be formed.
Resistance to Change - As Leo Tolstoy put it: “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself”. Change must come at first from you, and if - during the Implementation Process - resistance to the change the cloud-based ERP solution brings is faced, this will only slow down the process and make everyone miserable. Help the Implementation Team to understand how your company works and how your teams function and we can guarantee great changes will come your way!
Information Overload - We understand that the system can be a bit overwhelming in the beginning, as it is quite complex, but the Implementation Consultant will be there - with you - guiding you along the way. They can take this in baby steps or if you are tech-savvy, even faster - everything will be according to your own pace. Your Implementation Team does not wish to overload you, or your team, with too much info. They will be open to your suggestions and comments at any time!
Additional Functionalities - Most of the time, when pressure mounts between the Implementation Consultant and the Client it is due to Clients wishing to add additional functionalities/features to the system. Every Change Management item (as requested by the client) takes time and money.
We know that selecting an ERP solution for your team can be a daunting experience, but we know from experience what works and what fails. If you have taken part in an Implementation Process before we would love to know your thoughts (and feelings) on this topic! Feel free to get in touch with us via the comments section below.
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