Your ERP implementation plan is a key element in the foundation of a successful ERP project.
The development of this plan begins in the vendor evaluation phase of an enterprise software selection project. We work with both the vendor implementation team and the client team to develop a detailed plan.
Key Components of an ERP Implementation Plan
We have found there are 5 key steps in developing an ERP implementation plan.
- Define the Scope
Determine the scope for each phase of the project. Ask yourself, “What are the software processes that will be implemented in phase 1 and beyond?” - Construct the Team
Next, it is important to determine the ERP project team roles and responsibilities. Things to consider in this step include:- Who are the members of the client team?
- Who are the consultants from the vendor team?
- What are the responsibilities of each team?
- Define the Project Methodology
Define the right enterprise software implementation methodology for your company. What are the project phases, steps, and deliverables? - Develop the Project Plan
Assign tasks and hours to all resources, both client and vendor. Get agreement from both parties about the effort required in all phases of the plan.Included in this plan should be the following:
- Core team education
- Future state design and configuration
- Conference room pilots
- ERP data conversion
- New system interface development
- ERP reports and forms development
- Cutover activities
- Determine Project Goals
Define your project assumptions, i.e. what you expect to accomplish throughout the engagement.
It is very important to get both the vendor team and client team buy into the ERP implementation plan.
The components of the plan should be put in a formal statement of work that is agreed to by both vendor and client.