Lurking Legacy ERP: Banish the Ghost of ERPs Past

While the threat of ERP implementation failure sounds scary (and practically expected), a recent Mint Jutras study found that 67 percent of manufacturers and distributors rated their implementations as successful or very successful. With proper planning and buy-in, a successful ERP implementation can save your organization money and improve back-end processes. Here are the morbid missteps to avoid and keep your ERP project out of the implementation graveyard.

Disconnected systems & painful integrations

Digital transformation starts long before system selection. A key ingredient in your successful ERP project potion is information: review all current systems, current processes and document what works and where there are opportunities for improvement. Maybe all your data doesn’t get moved to one system at once, but it is critical for data to be reviewed and cleaned before transferring it over to a new ERP.

Merger and acquisition activity can make this step increasingly tricky. Bringing together disconnected systems or different instances of the same system can have frightening results if not planned properly with the right sequencing of events.

Treat or Teamwork

Siloed systems can be part of the problem, but siloed teams are more eerie. Even with the best systems, teams that are not working together effectively across departments are more likely to have inefficient workflows and lack of standardized business processes. Disconnects along the supply chain can lead to bloodcurdling bottlenecks, daunting delays, and increased operating costs.

One of the tricks for a successful project implementation experience is getting the right people involved, and getting the right team involved early. The project team and executive buy-in are essential for a wicked win. Bring dedicated, top talent in to lead your ERP project, not just those resources who are available or a new team member who may be less busy, but also less familiar with your business. Ensure project leaders and project team members have the support they need to cover daily tasks, so they can give the project the attention it deserves.

Spooky Stats

Without a single source of truth, information sharing and decision-making suffers. Nearly 50% of manufacturers still rely on Excel spreadsheets to track inventory, which limits insight into market intelligence and offers an error-prone, outdated overview of the organization.

As manufacturing and distribution industries become more reliant on technology for a competitive edge, organizations are increasingly using data to improve their production processes, achieve greater consistency, and create safer working environments. You need a cauldron of knowledge - a business intelligence and analytics solution that can bring all of your data in one place in a consumable way can help your organization make important business decisions faster and easier, allowing for improved operations.

There is no need for your ERP implementation to end scarily. Carve out some time to learn how manufacturing and distribution organizations like yours are tackling the haunting hurdles of an ERP upgrade or implementation.