How to Successfully Implement New Enterprise Software

source: medium.com

Times change and technology advances — this is the state of the world. On the business side, this translates to a need for enterprises to be on top of any new developments, or risk falling behind. In other words, whenever new enterprise software solutions come along, enterprises need to be on top of them and assess whether they can be used to streamline processes and make the organization more efficient.

More often than not, this involves implementing new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software that functions as a business management tool to streamline everything from customer relationship management (CRM) and human resources (HR) to payroll management and business analytics. The problem comes when you realize that implementing ERP software is an enterprise-wide commitment with implications throughout the whole organization.

Despite this, that enterprise software implementation is a challenging process, successful implementation positively impacts the organization's bottom line. By enhancing capabilities and injecting modern and relevant technologies into the enterprise, it can operate more efficiently and eliminate redundancies that are taking away from it. Yes, implementation will not be an easy task, but it’s a much-needed one that should not be overlooked. Here’s how you can make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

To begin with, you want a project manager in charge of overseeing the pre-implementation, as well as implementation and post-implementation process. This is someone who’ll be responsible for ensuring that the project moves along as seamlessly as possible, as well as supervising the technical aspects and keeping everyone up-to-date on the implementation’s progress, so make sure it’s someone who can answer and elaborate on the question, what is enterprise software?

Before you begin the actual implementation, i.e., when you’re in the pre-implementation process, take this time out to get rid of unnecessary clutter that has no place in the updated system. Whether you’re integrating new enterprise software or completely replacing an older one, the fact remains that you don’t want to transfer nonessential data, such as outdated data or duplicated entries that will only tax your system.

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After you clean your data, go over the existing IT infrastructure and determine exactly you want to accomplish with the implementation. For example, if you’re integrating the new software with the old, will they be able to work seamlessly without any issues arising? If you are retaining software, you always have to make sure that everything works without a hitch, otherwise, you have another overhaul in your hands.

Finally, think about who will end up using the new software and get them involved. These people, your end-users, know the ins and outs of what’s needed to run the enterprise on a day-to-day basis, and including them in the conversation is essential if you want a system that’s most conducive to productivity. After all, the decision to implement new ERP software was prompted by the previous one’s failings, and they know first-hand what’s needed.

Final Thoughts

Enterprise software implementation is designed to automate operations within an organization. While revamping enterprise-wide software may be stressful and overbearing, and the implementation process time-consuming and laborious, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

That is to say that when done correctly, new ERP software can completely change how a business operates. For example, by streamlining some tasks and automating others, more manpower can be diverted where it’s needed most. Along the same lines, the real-time capabilities that updated software often bring the lead to a competitive advantage that would’ve been forgone.

At the end of the day, the last thing you want is to stick with the same sub-par system just because it’s been working ‘just fine’ and implementation seems daunting. It’s not what your competition is doing and it’s not what you should be doing either.