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ERP implementation

3 Steps For ERP Implementation or ERP Upgrade

ERP systems are crucial to both efficiency and productivity. By having an ERP system in place, it allows a company to integrate and compile data from all departments, thus establishing an open channel of communication for every party involved. Although beneficial, ERP implementation of a new system or an upgraded ERP is something that is not only time consuming but also a major hassle, if not done properly. By becoming familiar with the steps and phases involved in the implementation process, utilizing an ERP system is guaranteed to become easy and effective – especially when you rely on NSA to implement the steps.

1) Plan: Before an ERP can be designed or upgraded; a certain level of organization and preparation has to be achieved. This is the point in time where the personnel involved in the project will be selected and corresponding duties or responsibilities will be assigned. To ensure that the implementation of the new system is successful, it is essential to have an array of different departments involved in this project, which means that a representative from each section of the company (Sales, Customer Service, Local Management, Finances, and IT) should be a part of the team conducting the discussion and preparation for the ERP system. In addition to this, it is important to consult and communicate with the highest levels of management during this stage of the process, so that the ERP plan takes into consideration how the system will be utilized and how it can best benefit the business as a whole.

2) Observe and Design: After the team is established and the management is consulted, an assessment and observation of the needs of the company and the requirements for the new ERP system will be conducted. A design that maximizes the overall benefits to the company is the main goal, so compiling a specific list of what qualities the new system should contain will allow the design and integration processes to go a little more smoothly. It is also prudent that time is spent reviewing company records that relay crucial information such as lists of accounts, customers, vendors, and products, essentially everything that is associated with the current system in place, so that insight can be gathered on what is currently working and what needs to be improved when considering the new ERP. During this step is when the implementation team from NSA will inform and guide the project team on how the new system will function, providing members with walkthroughs and creating a prototype complete with basic settings.

3) Evaluate, Test and Progress: Next, it is important that users become familiar with the new system being established. The implementation team will continue to spend time with the project team, instructing them how to navigate and customize the ERP. This is the period of time that the ERP system will be configured to meet the specific needs of the company that were discussed during the observation and design portion of the process, which would include developing new programs, screens, and critical system connections. Upon doing this, the company’s data and information will be loaded into the system and a thorough walkthrough of the entire ERP will be conducted in a conference like environment. Users will continue to work with the new system, inspecting and assessing its interface and functionality. If all is seemingly satisfactory then the teams will give the final go-ahead with the project, and NSA will launch the new or upgraded ERP solution. As time goes on the team will continue to work with the ERP to maintain its efficiency and make adjustments when necessary.

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