subject: Selecting And Engaging Your Erp Systems Integrator [print this page] Ones choice of ERP Systems Integrator is in fact fundamental to your project's success. You will have made your ERP system selection, you will have put together a thorough and compelling ERP business case, and you've been given the go-ahead from the Executive team. Now it's time for you the ERP Project Manager, to go about employing ERP Systems Integrators, obtaining a crew who are able to see your project through. Where will you begin?
If you are using SAP, the obvious response will be to find SAP professionals, and a fast search engine search will show up numerous candidates. But it isn't just about the software; there are several other elements to think about in regards to the solution architecture, and also the project as a journey. To inspire your ideas:
Do you anticipate your software selection being checked or questioned?
Is the software to be placed exclusively on your own servers, supplied as a managed solution - by the ERP Systems Integrator or a third party, or run on virtual servers?
How will the old application become decommissioned, and will the ERP Systems Integrator undertake it?
How will data translation be performed, and how can you split the work when using the ERP Systems Integrator?
How might integrations with various other legacy solutions be performed?
How will your team do the job with the ERP Systems Integrator to design, deliver and test the solution?
What level of change management and instruction is going to be expected; where and when should it occur?
Where will the ERP Systems Integrator work - from head office, their own workplace, or perhaps around the globe at all of your establishments?
How lengthy will the relationship with the SI truly carry on?
ERP Systems Integrator Scope
Whenever you start considering the many facets in the ERP Project, chances are you'll begin to appreciate several other factors: The project is larger than it first looks, requiring a lot of skills, so you need an SI partner that has established talent to cover the many dimensions of the challenge; the qualitative aspects of the ERP project are usually as important as the logical aspects of the venture; and also a competitive tender just isn't destined to be simple and easy, and might not be the best route to go.
The ERP System Integrators recognize thisso they quote the project to win on price, understanding that the actual revenue will surpass that which is proposed, and often by a substantial margin. It has multiple impacts, among them your budget and planning, and also on your own good reputation as the ERP Project Manager. I've experienced ERP SI's overtly say that the reason for a change order was they 'had to be successful with the bid'!
ERP Systems Integrator Contracting
I've come to the realization the SI partner selection must be based on the people that are going to be on your project team, definitely not the glossy marketing presentation. A number of tips:
Try to ensure that the people on your ERP System Integrator project team did something much like your project previously.
Try to ensure you can manage the 'bait and switch' - were team participants get substituted when the project is won.
Try to make sure that you possess an adequate process for agreeing the way the cost of alterations will be paid for - you know you will see change orders, don't you? Well the team will be mutually responsible - inevitably - and you need to agree in advance whether you allow timetable slip, or else you resource-up, and just how the expense of these kinds of activities is going to be divided.
You are the ERP Project Manager - do not allow chance: Work with an professional that will help you make certain your agreement with the ERP Systems Integrator is sturdy.
