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Should You Incentivize Your ERP Systems Integrator?
SI incentive programs are uncommon but could yield remarkable results. Learn about the three key elements of a well-crafted incentive plan that can make them truly impactful and drive better outcomes for your ERP project.
Avoid These 5 Costly ERP Selection Mistakes
Choosing the wrong ERP software and implementation partner are major contributors to failed digital transformations and a failure to realize mission-critical business benefits. Here are five common ERP selection mistakes to avoid.
ERP Optimization for Business Competitiveness
Use your ERP system for competitive advantage. Learn how ERP optimization helps companies streamline operations, boost agility, and drive competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced global marketplace.
From Planning to Execution – The M&A Integration Timeline
What does your organization need to succeed in post-M&A integration? Read the end-to-end timeline, from pre-closing planning, post-deal assessment, technology integration, and more. Learn about ERP integration, stakeholder engagement, and other ingredients necessary to realize the promised value of your M&A deal.
Challenges of M&A and Complex Corporate Structures
Ensuring Success in M&A: Dive deeper into the complexities of standardization within corporate structures. Read more to discover strategies for navigating this challenging landscape.
How to Navigate Change for Successful ERP Implementation
Discover the critical success factors for ERP implementations focusing on the human element. Understand the impact of emotions, governance, and team dynamics on project success and how a strong change management plan can lead to smoother transitions and better results.
How AI is Transforming ERP Systems
Explore how AI integration redefines ERP systems, as well as enhances operational efficiency, predictive analytics, and customer service. Dive into the future of business operations with our latest insights.
Negotiating ERP Agreements to Drive Successful Implementation
Initiating an efficient ERP project hinges on strategic negotiation with third-party service providers. Delve into the nuances of ERP implementations and uncover how shrewd negotiation practices can not only streamline operations but also pave the way for a resounding success.
4 Key Components of ERP Implementation Readiness
Ensure ERP implementation success with four key preparation components.
Setting the Stage for Success: What to Look for in an ERP Selection Consulting Firm
Learn about five non-negotiables that you need you need to look for in an ERP software selection partner.
Four Ways to Minimize ERP Cutover Pain
Learn how successfully cutover to your ERP system with the right testing plan, user training, data migration strategy, and post-go-live hypercare.
Creating a High-Performing ERP Steering Committee
ERP implementation projects are proven investments that help organizations reach their business objectives through operational transformation However, if you have participated in an ERP implementation,
Critical Success Factors for Post-Merger Integration
Learn about the key elements for constructing and implementing an effective playbook to guarantee successful integration in a M&A
Critical Success Factors for Pre-Acquisition IT and Operational Due Diligence
Minimize unforeseen expenses and integration complexities in acquisitions by following this comprehensive pre-acquisition information technology and operational due diligence checklist.
Pros and Cons of Cloud ERP
It often seems like everyone’s moving to the cloud—and if they’re not moving to the cloud, they’re talking about how cost-effective it is. However, recent research shows that many companies struggle with cloud cost overruns. So how effective is cloud adoption? And more importantly, do these cost issues extend to cloud ERP? We answer those questions and more in our latest article about the pros and cons of cloud ERP.
Four Critical Executive Committee Roles in Digital Transformation
Senior leadership involvement is indispensable to successful digital transformation projects. Learn the 4 critical executive committee roles and responsibilities.
Tier I, Tier II, Tier III ERP Systems: Finding Your Best Fit
When exploring ERP solutions for your business, it’s important to understand the different ERP tiers. Explore Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III ERP and find the right fit for your business.
7 Key Digital Transformation Trends Shaping North American Manufacturing in 2023
For many, these uncertain economic times are causing them to revisit their digital transformation plans. As you build or revise your business case for digital transformation, it’s important to understand how others are approaching their initiatives. Read our latest article to stay up to date with emerging trends and best-practices that are shaping North American manufacturing and distribution.
Break ERP Contract Chains: How to Negotiate Flexible Agreements
If the last few years have taught us anything about business, it’s that the successful companies adapt to tempestuous market shifts. And, there have been plenty of recent events that have given companies opportunities to distinguish themselves in this regard: the Great Recession, a choppy recovery, Japanese supply shortages, rising Chinese labor costs and, now, a market correction.
Use these 3 Key ERP Contract Negotiation Tactics to Drive a Strong Deal
For most of 2010, Canadian companies have taken a wait-and-see approach to ERP. According to IT research firm IDC, Canadian businesses are neither jumping headfirst into new ERP applications nor making significant changes to their existing systems.
Pros and Cons of Investing in ERP Projects During a Recession
The Economist has said that a global recession is inevitable in 2023. At the same time, digital transformation continues to be a top priority for businesses in many industries. In an economic downturn, should you invest in a large ERP system? It depends. Here are the pros and cons of ERP implementation in a recession.
Four Steps to Building a Winning SaaS Contract Negotiations Playbook
SaaS ERP contracts are typically one-sided, shifting significant risk to buyers. Learn our four-step methodology to secure the right deal.
Common Organizational Change Management Mistakes in ERP & Digital Transformation Projects
You want to streamline your business process and simplify your job—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t? That’s why enterprise resource planning (ERP) exists. However, most
3 Key Milestones to Assure Your Business Is Ready to Start ERP Implementation (And How to Minimize ERP Failure Risks Before your Project Starts)
Whether it’s MillerCoors, National Grid, or Revlon, there’s no shortage of high-profile ERP implementation failures. Often, the cause is easy to identify: poor ERP implementation
The Unanticipated Costs of Implementing and Supporting Cloud ERP–Level-Setting Expectations
A cloud-based ERP is a major investment. As with any investment, executives must understand its full costs to generate the best return. Some implementation costs
5 Warning Signs Your ERP Implementation Is Off the Rails (And How to Rescue Your Project Before It’s Too Late)
Is your ERP implementation in danger? Here are five warning signs to look out for and what you can do to ensure success.
ERP Implementation: Projects Tips to Lead you from Start to Finish
At Pemeco, we’ve learned and evolved over our 44-plus year history of leading ERP implementation projects. To help you learn from and build on our
Top 3 Advantages of ERP Best-Practices and Implementation Accelerators
According to BDO, between 60% and 70% of executives pursue transformative technology projects such as ERP implementation to increase market penetration, improve operational efficiencies, and enhance
Top 4 Myths About ERP Best-Practices and Implementation Accelerators
ERP best-practices and accelerators are marketed as tools to quickly implement proven and efficient business processes. We define ERP best-practices and implementation accelerators in our
Build your ERP Selection Plan with these 15 Due Diligence Tools
From RFPs to demonstration scripts, learn 15 key due diligence activities to help you make the right ERP selection decision.
$150K Grant Available to Ontario Auto Parts Manufacturers
Learn how to apply for the Ontario Government’s $150,000 grant program to help your Ontario auto parts manufacturing business digitally transform with ERP, EAM, IoT, MES, BI, and more.
A Tool to Assess Your ERP Selection and Implementation Risk
If chosen and implemented correctly, ERP systems provide significant benefits. But what happens if an ERP implementation fails? Companies stand to lose millions of dollars, disrupt operations, and
Top 6 ERP Features for High-Tech and Electronics Manufacturers
High-tech and electronics manufacturers have industry-specific business requirements that demand specific ERP software functionality to support their ability to cost-effectively design, market, sell, produce, distribute,
What to Consider When Choosing an Independent ERP Consultant
Not all independent ERP consultants provide the same quality of service and not all independent ERP consultants are truly independent and impartial. If you are
5 Steps to Build a Resilient Supply Chain by Optimizing ERP
The pandemic and other concurrent events (the March, 2021 Suez Canal blockage) are contributing to significant global supply chain issues. From constrained raw materials and
How to Decide Between Generic and Industry-Specific ERP
When deciding on an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, companies often wrestle with a decision between selecting a monolithic generic ERP system and an industry-specific
How to Build an ROI to Support Your Business Case for ERP
For many businesses, an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system is a non-negotiable software suite that manages integrated operational and financial business processing. When presenting
A Primer on Cloud ERP Systems – What you Need to Know
A cloud-based ERP system is one that is provisioned on cloud infrastructure, meaning that the customer does not need to manage the servers that underpin
ERP Implementation: What Executives Need to Know
If you’re a business owner or executive, you understand the need for integrated business processing. It’s essential to keep productivity in the workplace high, or
Key ERP Implementation Best Practices for Your Organization
Implementing an ERP system is a significant step for organizations of any size. An enterprise resource planning software is often critical for integrated business processing,
Choosing ERP Software? Evaluate these 8 Critical Areas
Selecting the right Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for your business is mission critical. You need to select ERP software that is capable of effectively managing your business processes, handling your accounting
Pemeco Consulting Ranked as Top B2B Firm in Canada
At Pemeco Consulting, we appreciate the trust our clients place in our team to lead them through major and disruptive ERP selection and ERP implementation
Pemeco Consulting Rated by Clutch as one of the World’s top ERP Consultants for 2020
We just received exciting news here at Pemeco Consulting! Clutch analyst Jeff Dixon just called our founder to let us know that Pemeco Consulting is
6 Steps to Leap into Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation
According to a 2019 World Economic Forum and McKinsey study, while 70% of companies believe Industry 4.0 is critical to their future, only 15% have
Grants, Assessments & ERP Selection: A Guide for Canadian Manufacturers
The pandemic is forcing Canadian manufacturing companies to adapt more quickly. Unfortunately, legacy processes, unintegrated systems, and outdated ERP are impeding businesses from quickly responding
The Complete ERP Selection Guide
We’ve written this complete ERP selection guide for you so you’ll have a comprehensive reference on how to a) develop a strategically-aligned digital transformation plan,
SAP vs. Waste Management: A $500M ERP Implementation Failure
Earlier this month, Waste Management (WM) upped the ante in its lawsuit against SAP to $500 million. The root of WM’s claim is that it was allegedly deceived and defrauded by SAP during the ERP selection and implementation phases.
Four ERP Selection Risks that Can Torpedo Your Project (and How to Avoid them)
Our recent ERP benchmark study (soon-to-be-released) points out the obvious relationship between ERP selection success and ERP implementation success, that is: a failed selection project inevitably results in a failed implementation project.
Now, ruminate on this statistic – a paltry 32% of ERP selection projects succeed. This means that 68% of ERP projects are destined to fail before implementation even starts.
Without Restructuring, ERP Implementation is an Expensive Waste
If your organization is planning to implement ERP software without restructuring its operations, you can stop reading right now. In fact, you may as well take the money you’re planning to spend on the project and throw it in the bin.
A Structured Approach to Organizational Change Management: Part 3 of an Intro to Milestone Deliverables
In this final article on using Milestone Deliverables to drive ERP implementation success, I lay out our framework to drive successful organizational change management.
Two Big Reasons Why ERP Implementations Have Failure Rates Higher than 50%
ERP implementation projects are major cross-functional undertakings. Most failures can be attributable to ineffective project teams and poor testing. Learn best-practices to establish effective governance structures and rigorous piloting.
Running an Old Infor System? 5-Steps to Deciding if Infor’s Modern Systems are Right for You
Infor is pushing legacy ERP software customers to systems it considers strategically important. Learn how to decide whether Infor’s convergence strategy is right for your business.
Industry 4.0 Spotlight: How Manufacturers are Integrating Predictive Maintenance Operations
Does unplanned equipment downtime cause your maintenance team to scramble? How much do unexpected outages cost your company? What’s the value of delayed or canceled
Marin County v. Deloitte: Learn from this ERP Implementation Failure to Drive Success
ERP implementation failure is a pretty easy topic to write about – fresh material is delivered to my door almost daily. Consider, for example, the California County of Marin’s recent $30 million lawsuit against Deloitte Consulting LLP.
In that case, Marin County hired Deloitte to implement an SAP ERP system. Marin spent $18.6 million on system and implementation costs. For all of that money, what did it get? A malfunctioning system, administrative lock-ups and headaches.
ERP Organizational Structure, Training and Data Migration: Part 2 of An Introduction to Milestone Deliverables
Last week, I introduced you to using Milestone Deliverables – our firm’s proprietary ERP project management methodology – to drive ERP implementation success. We covered the importance of ERP project planning, business process mapping and systems testing.
The Emotional Curve of ERP Projects
The promise of ERP software is enticing. Enterprise Resource Planning is designed to make your business run smoother and make your job easier. At least,
An Introduction to Driving ERP Implementation Success with Milestone Deliverables: Part 1
Our firm developed the Milestone Deliverables ERP implementation project management methodology over a 33-year period. It is now used to deliver ERP success in more than 40 countries.
This short series of articles is designed to introduce you to the key components of our methodology – the components that are necessary to drive ERP implementation success. This first article focuses on the importance of project planning, business process mapping and system testing.
A Case Study on Hershey’s ERP Implementation Failure: The Importance of Testing and Scheduling
Imagine waking up one day to find out that your company’s supply chain has ground to a halt, making it impossible to fulfill $100 million worth of orders. For Hershey’s confectionary manufacturing and distribution operations, this nightmare came true in 1999. Read this case study on Hershey’s ERP implementation failure. Learn about the importance of ERP system testing and project scheduling.
Central Services and Multi-Site Integration: A Key Driver of ERP Acquisition
Independent research confirms that facilities integration is a key reason behind ERP purchases, particularly among manufacturers. In its ERP in Manufacturing 2009 research report, the
Seismic Shift: Industry 4.0 is Changing the Way Manufacturers Operate
In 2019, the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Co. released a whitepaper that describes two ways that Industry 4.0 will transform business. First, implementation
The Key to Your ERP Project Success? Strong and Stable Leadership
Successful ERP implementation projects transform companies. Executives need to steer the project to ensure that the future business is designed in a way that aligns with corporate strategy. They also need to assure that the company’s best people are committed to delivering a quality project. In this post, we look at three key critical success factors relating to executive-level participation.
The urgency for Canadian manufacturers to embrace Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 – or the fourth industrial revolution – refers to a cyber-physical environment that self-optimizes. The system collects data, creates its own analytical models,
Upgrade or Replace Your ERP System? How to Decide.
When should you upgrade your ERP or consider replacing it? Your ERP system supports your core business operations and data. When it falls behind, your
Start Your ERP Selection by Defining Your Business Requirements (4 Steps)
Too many organizations start their ERP selection journey by researching solutions and interviewing ERP vendors. They wander about, comparing features and specifications and deliverables and
34-Point Contract Negotiations and ERP Selection Checklist
Is your organization undertaking an ERP selection project? If so, use our ERP selection checklist as a gut check on your due diligence process.
SaaS: Is it Right for Your Business?
Given the choice between licensing software that you install on your computers and software that is hosted in the cloud, which should you buy? Software
Are you Being Oversold on Business Process Analysis Before ERP Selection?
If you’re at the front-end of an ERP selection process, you’ve probably heard conflicting approaches to ERP business process mapping. Some consultants say it’s essential
6 Keys to Drive ERP Success and Avoid Black Swan Failures
In its September 2011 issue, the Harvard Business Review (HBR) featured an article on IT project failures, Why Your IT Project May Be Riskier Than You Think. As an example of an IT project failure, the authors discuss how Levi-Strauss’ $5 million ERP project morphed into monstrous losses of $200 million.
ERP implementation failures are common. One secret to avoiding them: building the right teams!
There are four key team and governance causes of ERP implementation failure. If you wait until implementation to mitigate these risks, you might already be
ERP and Shared Services: What You Need to Know About Standardization and Centralization
If your company manages multiple operating facilities, it’s probably asked itself whether it makes sense to standardize each business unit on the same ERP system.
5-Steps to Decide Whether to Upgrade or Replace your ERP System
Should you upgrade or replace your ERP system? Most mid-sized companies and large enterprises have to wrestle with this decision every 10 to 20 years. The
ERP Selection Success: Control Procurement and Minimize Sales Bias
ERP selection is the first hurdle that has to be cleared on the path to ERP success.
Unfortunately, management all too frequently underestimates the complexity of the selection component. Too often, they approach selection with the view that it’s an administrative project that’s easily completed. This approach, unfortunately, couldn’t be more misguided.
How Jamesway Approached Its Upgrade from Baan ERP vs New ERP Decision
Learn how Jamesway Incubator Company evaluated whether to upgrade from Baan ERP to LN or replace its legacy software with an entirely different ERP system.
Pemeco Awarded Best Manufacturing ERP Consultancy – East Canada
Corporate Vision Magazine today announced that Pemeco was awarded its 2016 Small Business Award for Best Manufacturing ERP Consultancy – East Canada.
Key Finance and Risk Management Perspectives on ERP Selection
ERP systems are built around integration transactions to the general ledger. Learn how finance and accounting departments can benefit from ERP and the role they should play on an ERP selection project.
6 Tips to Drive a Successful Multi-Company ERP Implementation
Multi-company and enterprise-wide implementations bring their own unique challenges and requirements. When planning a project, it’s important to map how the data and processes will (or will not) flow across entities. It’s also important to define cross-divisional teams that might need to provide input.
Read-on to learn the keys to successfully managing a multi-company ERP implementation project.
Leverage ERP to Drive Lean Manufacturing Initiatives
Best-in-class manufacturers are leveraging their ERP systems to drive specific lean manufacturing initiatives. Read on to learn how some of our clients are driving their lean programs, and about three common areas in which ERP enables lean.
Omni-Channel: A Primer for Retailers & Wholesale Distributors
A primer for retailers and wholesale distributors on the five critical elements to delivering a seamless omni-channel customer experience.
5 Steps to Selecting the Right ERP Software
I recently met with the IT director of a North American auto parts distributor. He told me that his company was very unhappy with its new ERP system.
What History Can Teach Us About ERP-Driven Productivity
Businesses today tend to look at ERP as a solution to whatever ails them. Unfortunately, this mindset often leads to disappointment. Learn how our business forebearers designed ERP as part of a broader organizational solution set.
You Have Selected ERP Software: But Are You Ready to Implement?
It doesn’t matter how fancy your ERP system is. It doesn’t matter how closely the system’s capabilities match your company’s needs. It doesn’t matter that the ERP system is SaaS, comes with the latest flavors of business intelligence, or can be used by mobile workforces on their smartphones. No, none of this matters if the system isn’t implemented correctly.
Searching For ERP-Related Business Value? Look at Planning Activities – The Central Logistics Hub
All business leaders want to take their organizations to the next level. In an effort to do so, many have invested heavily in ERP implementations and have suffered through associated business disruptions.
You Have Implemented ERP – Now, How Do You Extract the Promised Value?
Happy New Year! We hope you’re kicking off 2012 with a commitment to continued ERP success.
ERP Planning Tip #7: Prioritizing Planning Messages and Signals
In our previous planning tip, we discussed how to maintain timely and accurate planning data. In this final series of tips, we cover the day-in-the-life planning procedures that flow from the planning engine’s outputs.
Using Business Software to Achieve Lean Manufacturing For Profitability
This article – provided by ERP vendor SYSPRO – outlines how enterprise business software can help manufacturing companies implement Lean fundamentals.
Mobility and the Enterprise: How to Build a Business Case for Mobile ERP
Whether businesses like it or not, they have to be agile to succeed. If managing extreme economic volatility wasn’t challenging enough, businesses also have to contend with shifts caused by natural disasters (e.g., the Japanese supply disruption), faster cycles of technological innovation and obsolescence, and structural shifts in the labour market.
Finding the Balance: When ERP and Business Needs Conflict
The current economic climate is causing many organizations to rethink their ERP projects – whether selection, implementation or optimization. Many businesses are now hesitating because they’re no longer sure that it’s in their best interests to fund the projects or to divert precious human capital resources.
ERP Project Managers: How Technical Do They Have To Be?
Once again, the folks at Focus.com have stimulated a timely conversation – this time about IT project management credentials. Caty Kobe, a Community Manager at Focus.com, asked “Does a project manager need to have an IT background?”.
FusionIS Uses Pemeco’s Milestone Deliverables to Drive Successful Implementation at Johannesburg Metrobus
On December 1, 2010, Johannesburg Metropolitan Bus Service (Metrobus) went live on Oracle’s Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software. Metrobus now relies on the software to manage its fleet of 532 commuter buses, which collectively transport 90,000 passengers per day.
Reframing ERP Contract Negotiations to Drive Implementation Success
Really, now. Is this just another example of an author using an alarmist title for shameless promotion? Or, is there actual substance behind my bold claim that ERP contract negotiations – which, by the way, are fully completed before ERP implementation even starts – can actually be a key driver of implementation success?
ERP Implementation Tip #23: Modifications, Customizations, Personalizations & Interface Projects
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, we laid out the key components of an actionable data migration plan.
This week, we circle back and cover customizations, personalizations and interface projects. These projects are intended to extend the functionality of the ERP or IT software into areas that are not covered by out-of-the-box functionality.
ERP Implementation Tip #22: Four Components of a Data Migration Plan
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, we laid out the key concepts of data migration. This week, we breakdown the four key components of an actionable data migration plan.
ERP Implementation Tip #21: Data Migration | Key Concepts
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, we discussed the end-user training phase – the phase during which the implementing organization’s employees are taught how to incorporate the new system into their daily work routines.
We now start our discussion of data migration. Given the importance of this topic, it will span two tips. In this week’s tip, we cover the key concepts. In next week’s tip, we will explain how to tie these various concepts together into an actionable migration plan.
ERP Implementation Tip #20: Cutover Countdown | End-User Training
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, we discussed the integrated pilot phase – the third of three systems testing phases in an ERP implementation project.
With the testing complete, the implementing organization suddenly finds itself under-the-gun to make sure that its troops are ready to work in the new operating environment.
In this week’s tip, we discuss the end-user training phase – the phase during which the employees are taught how to incorporate the new system into their daily work routines.
ERP Implementation Tip #19: System Test #3 | Integrated Pilot Simulation
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, we covered the Departmental Pilot phase – where the teams tested all business processes in the new IT system. In the tip previous to that, we discussed the Conference Room Pilot phase – the first round of system tests where only a sampling of the business processes were tested.
In this week’s tip, I walk you through the final round of ERP systems tests before cutover: the Integrated Pilot testing phase.
ERP Implementation Tip #18: System Test #2 | Departmental Pilot Stress Test
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, we covered the Conference Room Piloting (CRP) phase, where the core team tests the 80% business scenarios and scripts in the ERP system.
In this week’s tip, I walk you through the second round of ERP implementation systems tests: the departmental pilot (DP) phase.
ERP Implementation Tip #17: ERP System Testing #1 |Conference Room Pilot
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I offered 4 tips to help you manage the walkthrough presentations in your ERP implementation project.
In this week’s tip, I walk you through the first in a series of ERP systems tests: the conference room pilot (CRP).
ERP Implementation Tip #16: 4 Steps to Effective Walkthrough Presentations
In my previous ERP implementation tip, I broke down the six key elements of a change management plan, including the training plan.
This week, I discuss the eighth ERP implementation project deliverable: the walkthrough presentation.
ERP Implementation Tip #15: ERP Change Management Plan – Six-Stage Surgical Approach
In my previous ERP implementation tip, I identified potential pockets of change resistance and discussed how an effective change management plan can drive ERP implementation success and diffuse potentially fatal project resistance.
This week, I break down six key elements of a change management plan, including the training strategy. The change management plan completes the fourth and final deliverable in the project mapping phase.
ERP Implementation Tip #14: Change Resistors and ERP Change Management
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I explained how to build a Gaps and Issues Database to keep ERP problems from torpedoing your project. This week and next, I delve into the fourth and final deliverable of the project mapping phase: the change management plan.
ERP Implementation Tip #13: Track and Manage Project Issues with a Gaps and Issues Log
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I outlined a 7-part structure to draft effective blueprint whitepapers.
This week, I explain how to build a Gaps and Issues Database to keep problems from torpedoing your ERP implementation project. The Gaps and Issues Database is the third of four deliverables that must be completed during the business process mapping phase.
ERP Implementation Tip #12: 7-Part Structure to ERP Blueprint Whitepapers
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I offered 7 keys to developing a business scenario list during the process mapping phase of your ERP implementation project.
This week, I discuss the next project deliverable in the mapping phase: completion of the draft blueprint whitepaper documents.
ERP Implementation Tip #11: 7 Steps to Building an ERP Business Scenarios Matrix
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I offered some general advice about managing the business process mapping phase of your ERP implementation project.
The mapping phase is made up of four sub-phases, each constituting a separate project deliverable. Over the next four weeks, I will break down the each of these four deliverables, starting with the business scenario list, below.
ERP Implementation Tip #10: 6-Steps to Business Process Mapping
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I described how to structure an intensive, 4-course program to train your core team on the selected ERP system.
Now, after having successfully completed its training, your core team is ready to restructure the business processes to accommodate the new ERP system. In this week’s tip, I offer some advice on process mapping as well as on managing the related change and risk issues of your ERP implementation project.
ERP Implementation Tip #9: 4-Course Program to Train Your ERP Core Team
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I laid out 5 crucial steps to building an actionable, manageable and measurable project plan.
This week, I offer some guidance on how to train the core team so that it can execute the ERP implementation project plan.
ERP Implementation Tip #8: 5 Steps to Building a Formalized ERP Project Plan
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I wrote about the importance of creating a turn-by-turn project roadmap.
This week, I outline 5 crucial steps to building an actionable, manageable and measurable ERP implementation project plan.
ERP Implementation Tip #7: ERP Project Planning – Plan your ERP Project Like a GPS Plans a Road Trip
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I explained how to effectively kick off your IT project.
I inadvertently – and somewhat ironically – omitted a key ERP implementation project phase that precedes the kick-off phase. This week, I’ll delve into that overlooked phase, which is the project planning phase.
ERP Implementation Tip #6: ERP Project Kickoff With a Pep Rally
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I explained how to build a strong project core team.
This week, I discuss how to use kick-off meetings to inject momentum to the start of an ERP implementation project.
ERP Implementation Tip #5: Build Your ERP Core Team to Win
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I explained why the project manager should be a member of both the steering committee and the core team.
This week, I discuss how you can build a core team to drive a successful ERP implementation project.
ERP Implementation Tip #4: ERP Project Communications – Avoid Broken Telephone
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I wrote about how a project manager can secure the steering committee’s commitment to the project.
This week, I discuss how the project manager can filter the ERP steering committee’s instructions down to the core team.
ERP Implementation Tip #3: ERP Project Managers: Your Allegiance Is To The Project
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I wrote about the how project buck stops at the steering committee.
This week, I discuss how the project manager can keep the executive-level steering committee focused on the project.
ERP Implementation Tip #2: The ERP Steering Committee has That Name For A Reason
In last week’s ERP implementation tip, I explained who should be selected for the various project teams.
This week, I dig a little bit deeper into the steering committee.
ERP Implementation Tip #1: Set-Up Your ERP Project Structure Like a Mini-Business
To execute your business, your company has set up an organizational structure, hired the right people (hopefully), delegated responsibility and incentivized desired behaviors. Operating within a defined structure helps your business avoids chaos, and keeps the right people working towards the right goals.
2011 Benchmark Study: The Secret Recipe for ERP Implementation Success
Canadian manufacturers and distributors are increasingly turning to ERP to help them improve their fortunes, especially in the face of low-cost foreign competition and the high Canadian dollar.
Pemeco Implements ERP Action Plan to Optimize Planning and Budgeting for Aerospace Manufacturer
After we implemented the ERP Action Plan, this aerospace manufacturer improved planning and shop scheduling accuracy by 20%. It cut budgeting and forecasting labour time by by 75%. Learn how we helped this manufacturer drive business benefits by optimizing its ERP system.
Pemeco’s ERP Action Plan Drives Operational Improvements at Plastics Manufacturer
The Company: The client is a privately-held international manufacturer of polyethylene bags. It operates sales and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe.
Two Causes of ERP Implementation Failure (and How to Avoid Them)
These days, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) need enterprise resource planning systems (ERP) to be competitive. ERP helps companies manage their global supply chains and forecast demand. SMBs, though, are advised to approach ERP very cautiously. Casualties from failed ERP implementations are like bodies strewn across a bloody battlefield.
ERP: How It Can Help Your Business
Industry reports and promotional materials make ERP sound like manna-for-business, dropped down from the heavens above. They say that ERP can make your business more efficient, responsive, integrated, transparent, profitable, productive… and the list goes on. What you really want to know, though, is how ERP can help your business. And, what’s the catch?
Lessons From a Recent ERP Selection Project
As we close out 2010, I reflect on an ERP system selection project that we’re just now wrapping up in time for the holidays. The client runs a multi-site manufacturing and distribution business. It is a strategic supplier to big-box retailers and leads the market in its product category.
Is Your ERP Consultant Truly Impartial?
In a recent ZDNet article, Alliances, Referrals, Kickbacks, Reselling: Where’s the independent advice in this?, author Brian Sommer sends a crystal clear message to IT buyers. He says that if buyers want to find the right-fit IT system, they had better ensure the independence and impartiality of their system selection consultants.
If the consultants are not free from bias, he warns, the buyer could end up with a system that fits the consultants’ bottom lines better than its operations.
ERP Selection: 3 Steps to Analyzing Functional Needs
Companies evaluating ERP solutions may find themselves ensnared in a net of vendor confusion. Selecting the right ERP software from among 15 or 20 seemingly good candidates is a difficult project. So, how does a company go about comparing, contrasting and ranking the various ERP software alternatives? How can it satisfy itself that it is picking a software package that best fulfills its various needs?
ERP Pricing: How to Avoid Sticker-Shock
Unanticipated ERP license needs. Unexpected ERP add-on modules. Unknown 3rd-party software needs. Surprises like these can lead to ERP sticker-shock and cause buyer’s remorse. Unplanned ERP expenses can throw off budgets, strain resources and, in some cases, cause ERP projects to die. They can even lead an ERP buyer to a system that it would not have otherwise selected had it known the true costs.
ERP vs Best-Of-Breed: 3 Tips To Help You Decide
Deciding between ERP and best-of-breed applications is no longer an issue that involves a balancing of clear tradeoffs. Over the past few years, ERP vendors
The Buyer’s Corner: A Case Study on Managing ERP Demonstrations
Our client – a mid-sized manufacturer and distributor – recently participated in ERP software demonstrations. From its perspective, these demonstrations collectively constituted the single-most important phase of its ERP selection project. Why? Because it was our client’s only opportunity to test-drive the ERP alternatives before making a purchase.
