subject: Erp Implementation: Challenges And Solutions [print this page] Enterprise resource planning or ERP solutions for business, integrates various information portals of a business into one software system, which streamlines the flow of data from within and outside the organization. The aim of this system is to enhance value-added product and service delivery to customers. However, a number of challenges often crop up during ERP implementation stage. Read on to learn more about how business process consultants can handle such challenges, and maximize ERP solutions in their respective organizations.
The first challenge in enterprise resource planning is to understand how well the system will serve the company. Generally, ERP almost covers the entire scope of management functions in an organization. These include customer service management, product design and engineering (bill of materials), manufacturing (scheduling activities), distribution (fleet management and maintenance), inventory management (supply chain software, purchasing and receiving activities), financial management (budgeting, planning and resources) and human resource management. The implementation team should be aware of the organizational policies and strategies regarding these functions. By asking the right questions, they can assess the efficiency of each individual system, and determine the future needs of the business.
The second challenge in business consulting is determining the extent of ERP needed by a company. By assessing the organization"s core values, priorities, goals and objectives; the implementation team can be able to make comparisons with alternative solutions, and decide which ones will be most effective on the short and long-term. This will help to design ERP business solutions that will be helpful in the present and future of the business.
Lastly, a business process consultant faces an uphill task in creating the ERP implementation program. This usually entails election of teams with active leaders whose goals are to participate fully in the process. Typically, the implementation stage lasts for about 18 months, during which employees in particular those who belong to the IT department, receive training and orientation on the new system. Successful implementation of ERP business solutions is crucial to achieving desired targets by an organization. However, installing the software system is just the beginning. Integrating the process to transform operations is the challenging part of the job.
