When you go to a new ERP system, you are really changing your company and putting it in place to go forward. Some companies get blind-sided because they do not really understand the depth of change that is going to happen.  There is no doubt it is a good change if done right, but the first step is to accept that change. Otherwise, you and your company may be doomed.

In addition to understanding it yourself, you need to prepare your employees for the weeks and months ahead. Be completely clear on the implementation steps, so everyone knows what to expect. It is definitely not going to be easy. ERP software requires more information, has more disciplined processes, and is ultimately more work in the beginning. The truth is your employees are not going to like it, but they will thank you in the end because in a few years, your business will still be booming and they will still have a job.

The fact of the matter is ERP software changes the front end and back end of your organization so that you can scale to the demands of market upswings and downswings. You will be able to compete with the big guys and make the path for optimal growth.

If you have been considering making this huge change, but just are not sure where to begin, contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions to learn more.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

Unlike CRM, which primarily affects marketing and sales, ERP touches every part of your company. The value of ERP lies in the connection of data for your entire company, which means true ERP projects involve participation from multiple departments and functional areas. This blog offers four tips for deploying ERP software successfully.

1. Recognize the Business Value- Treat ERP as a major business investment rather than view it as a purely technical project. Even though ERP relies on technology, the primary function of any ERP system is delivering business value. Always ask, “What are the business benefits of this investment?” Without defining concrete and specific business benefits, any investment in ERP is a waste of money and time.

2. Define the Business Fit- It’s easy to get caught up in the technical aspects of software selection, but pay close attention to the business results you hope to achieve. Does your vendor have experience in your vertical and do they know the requirements your industry demands?

3. Prepare for Change- One of the great benefits of ERP is the opportunity to improve how your business operates. It’s a good idea to use the implementation as an opportunity to streamline processes and simplify, or improve, workflows. This will likely involve changing how people inside the organization perform their day-to-day work, which is usually one of the most difficult aspects of an ERP implementation. Get ready for these changes and don’t minimize their importance. Communicate project goals and status frequently out to the organization. And don’t forget training and documentation, which receive insufficient attention on many projects.

4. Seek Executive Support- An experienced and committed executive sponsor is an ERP project’s best friend. However, the sponsor must genuinely be engaged in the project as an active leader. Active leadership requires time and attention from a senior company executive; ideally, even the CEO should publicly get behind the project.

In the long run, consultants can help your implementation, but you are responsible for its success. If the project is too large and complicated for your organization to understand or digest, then scope back and simplify.

PANGEA is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner with a ten-year track record of helping medium-size companies gain maximum results from their business and technology infrastructure investments, such as Microsoft Dynamics® ERP software. Contact us to learn more about transforming your business with Microsoft Dynamics ERP.

By Alexandra Gonzalez, PANGEA Business Solutions