The 6 Phases of Implementing ERP System

It seems overwhelming and so complicated that they don’t feel as though they have the capacity to pull it off.  Ambersof is here to help you plan for each of the ERP implementation phases so you can start and end the process with confidence. 
 

As Oracle NetSuite partner, here are the phases of an ERP implementation plan:
 

A typical ERP implementation plan can be divided into six phases, each with specific objectives. Every business is unique, so the phases may vary somewhat depending on the company, and they also may overlap. The six-part ERP implementation phase lifecycle includes discovery and planning, design, development, testing, deployment, and support.

 

ERP Implementation Phases FAQ

Which is the most difficult phase in an ERP implementation?

That depends on many factors, including how easy it is to implement your chosen system, but often the planning and discovery phase is particularly challenging. It may be difficult to convince people across the organization to commit the necessary time and funding, and to agree on a clear project timeline. Jumping into later stages of the ERP implementation process without a clear plan is a recipe for problems.

 

How can you avoid ERP implementation delays?

Take time to get the first phase right, including developing a solid estimate of timeframe and required resources. Planning an implementation timeline can be intimidating since there are so many moving parts. Many projects fall behind schedule simply because the original planned timeline was unrealistic. Consider reassessing the timeline at key points in the implementation to see whether it needs to be adjusted.

 

Are the implementation phases different if you use cloud ERP vs. on-premises ERP?

While the phases for each type of ERP system are the same, some of the activities within each phase will differ. The most obvious difference is in Phase 1, when hardware is typically delivered and installed. This phase requires technology skills, as do later phases that involve configuring and updating the system. The overall implementation time may also increase if the organization is installing a system on premises vs. using cloud ERP.

 

How important is executive sponsorship in the early phases of ERP Implementation?

The importance of executive involvement in the project cannot be overstated. The ERP project may need to compete for resources with many other day-to-day priorities. A good executive sponsor—such as the CEO or CFO—can help make sure the project gets the support it needs from everyone in the organization. Without executive sponsorship, the people involved in the implementation—such as the project manager and departmental managers—may face an uphill struggle.

 

What is ERP implementation life cycle?

An ERP implementation life cycle is the time it takes to deploy ERP software within your company. The implementation life cycle includes multiple steps and processes, including discovery and planning, design, development, support, deployment, and training. The implementation timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your business. But the lifecycle usually takes six to 12 months.

 

What happens in the first phase of ERP implementation?

Discovery and planning are the first phase of ERP implementation. During this phase, a project team will be formed to start constructing an ERP project plan. This plan should serve as a guide throughout the rest of the project. Initial meetings will also occur, and documentation will be developed as the team works to identify current issues and potential solutions. During the phase, the defined team should also research and select a system and define detailed system requirements.

 

Sources: Oracle Netsuite