Choosing the Right ERP Implementation Methodology for Your Enterprise

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In the last few years, we have seen two different implementation methodologies emerge. When buying a new ERP system, you should make sure you understand the ERP implementation methodology proposed by the vendor or re-seller and its pros and cons.

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ERP Implementation Methodology #1: The Traditional Method

The first methodology is the traditional methodology, since it has been around since the early 1980’s. This methodology uses the following phases:

  • Planning: The project managers (customer and vendor) work together to form the ERP implementation team, and plan the project based on the right ERP implementation methodology for the project scope and available resources. A kickoff meeting involves the entire team to review the project plan and communicate the company objectives for the project.
  • Education: The vendor consultants educate the implementation team. In this methodology, this is a very important step. Most advocates of this methodology believe the education of the core team is the key to the customer’s self-sufficiency and a successful project.
  • Design/Configuration: The consultants assist the implementation team in designing, configuring and setting up the new system and business processes. The vendor consultants support the implementation team, and the team does the work.
  • Conference Room Pilot: The implementation team tests the system in multiple Conference Room Pilots (CRP). The final CRP becomes a simulated “go-live.” At the end of the phase, the system is accepted by the team as ready to go live. The vendor consultants support the team’s effort. By the end of this phase, the customer team has established a complete understanding of the new system.
  • Cutover Activities: The implementation team plans the cutover process and trains the rest of the end-users on the new system. The implementation team performs the training, and the vendor consultants support the team.
  • Go-Live Support: The implementation team supports the end-user in the use of the new system. The implementation team provides real-time support. The vendor consultants are also on-site during the first month to support the quick resolution of new problems as they arise.
Coworkers putting their hands together erp implementation methodology

ERP Implementation Methodology #2: The Turnkey Method

The second methodology is the Turnkey methodology because it is clearly a vendor-led method. This methodology uses the following phases:

  • Planning: The activities are the same in this phase as the traditional methodology, with the vendor consultant taking a bigger role in the construction of the plan. Also, the vendor project manager is planning the vendor consultants’ time since they are involved full-time in the next four phases of the project.
  • Discovery/Setup/Configuration: Here we see the major difference between the two methodologies. In this phase, the vendor consultants review the current process, design/configure/setup new processes, and perform an initial test with minimal involvement of the customer team. The customer implementation team is only involved in discovery by providing input on current processes. In essence, the vendor team is providing a “turnkey” approach to system design and the setup of the new system.
  • Prototype Review/Education: In this phase, the vendor team delivers the new system to the customer implementation team and begins to educate the customer team through prototype demonstration workshops. In these reviews, the customer team is getting educated on the new system and the capabilities of the product. The vendor team identifies issues and adjusts the new system as needed. At the end of this phase, the customer team accepts the design of the new system.
  • Conference Room Pilot: In this phase, the vendor team leads the customer team through several phases of a conference room pilot (CRP). The last CRP becomes a simulated “go-live”. When this CRP is completed, the customer team accepts the new system and is ready to go live.
  • Cutover Activities: The implementation team plans the cutover process, and trains the rest of the end-users on the new system. The implementation team performs the training and the vendor consultants support the team.
  • Go-Live Support: The implementation team supports the end-user in the use of the new system. The implementation team provides real-time support. The vendor consultants are also on-site during the first month to support the quick resolution of new problems as they arise

This “turnkey” ERP implementation methodology has been used by SAP and Oracle in the past. The pre-configured industry templates and this methodology allow them to offer a low-cost implementation to compete with Tier II vendors.

The Pros and Cons of Both The Turnkey and Traditional Methodologies for ERP Implementation

Traditional

Customer lead process – The customer takes responsibility for the project Requires a high level of ERP competency within the customer team
Requires less vendor consulting support Requires a greater commitment of time from the customer team
Puts responsibility on the business team to understand the system
Requires the customer to gain self-sufficiency in knowledge and use of the ERP system

Turnkey

Can yield a faster implementation path (16 weeks compared to 26 to 40 weeks) The total cost of ownership will be higher over time
Company must adopt vendor’s best practice processes Can result in higher ongoing support costs
Puts responsibility on the vendor consultants to learn the customer’s business
The customer places a greater reliance on the vendor for a successful implementation

The Importance of Choosing the Right Methodology For Your Company

If your company has strong ERP competency, and the majority of your team has had previous ERP implementation experience (within 5 years), then the traditional model can apply. This approach places the responsibility for success on your team.

If your company does not have experienced ERP users and the users have been using an older legacy system for many years, the turnkey model may be your best choice. This model is also attractive to companies that have downsized and have lean staff that may struggle with the added burden of implementing a new ERP system.

The trend is up for successful ERP implementations, but customer management needs to be very careful in staffing the project, choosing the right project manager, hiring the right vendor consultants, and selecting the right ERP implementation methodology.

To learn more about how to manage your implementation project, schedule your free discovery call with an Ultra consultant.

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