Streamlining a business is no easy task. The bigger
the size of the business, more complex will be the entire streamlining process.
ERP for project-based business is
considered for enhancing the business processes of organisations operating in
the construction industry. Let’s explore the various factors that you need to
think about while preparing for ERP implementation.
1.
A clear vision for
the business
If you are planning
ERP implementation because your competitor has done it then that’s great.
However, merely imitating your competitor is not going to help your business.
You need a clear business plan as well as a vision for reaping the benefits of
ERP software.
Here are few
tips to get you started:
·
Define your business goals and what
you would like to achieve with ERP software.
·
Note down the benefits and costs
involved in ERP implementation.
It won’t be wise
to sit down with your team and plan ERP-related goals after the implementation.
Reputed ERP companies go ahead with the implementation only after researching
the actual needs of the company and proposing a practical solution to meet the
company’s requirements. You can refer to such proposals for assessing your ERP
goals after the implementation.
2.
Communicate with your
teams
You cannot simply take a decision to implement ERP one
fine day and expect all your teams to immediately start using it. Doing so can
negatively impact the morale of the people working with you. Generally, decisions
related to ERP are taken by senior management leaders who want a digital
transformation in the workplace.
To ensure a smooth transformation, all the relevant
team heads have to discuss the gaps in the legacy systems. ERP should be able
to solve the organisation’s current needs and should be scalable enough to meet
future needs from a practical perspective. Also, not everyone in your organisation
may welcome change as they may be comfortable with the legacy systems.
Make relevant changes in your infrastructure. Maintain
the legacy systems which can be integrated with the ERP. Once the management
figures out the best constructionmanagement software for the organisation, they can use the help of the
internal communications team. The communications team can plan and implement
consistent enterprise-wide communication to inform and educate the employees
about the digital transformation.
3. Build a new
ERP team
To manage
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, you may need a team. Of course,
your ERP service provider will give you a comprehensive solution with
after-sales services as per your contract. However, in your organisation you
need a go-to team for discussing ERP-related concerns.
Why this is
so important? Based on the size of your business, your IT infrastructure has
been managed by an IT Manager or a team of IT specialists. While preparing for
ERP, you need to build a team where managers from technical as well as business
backgrounds are assisting the decision-making for the organisation.
It need not
be a big team but a blend of technology and business professionals so that you
get the right technology for the desired results from your ERP implementation.
Also, ERP implementation takes place in phases. You need representatives from
your organisation who can clearly communicate the tweaks needed in the software
with your ERP companyto achieve your business objectives.
4. Plan a change
management program
When your
communication team sends out messages about a process transformation through
ERP implementation, there can be reactions from employees. Some may feel
threatened due to a knowledge gap in their skills and some may just be curious.
Everyone will want to know more about the change. So, tell them and help them
understand that ERP is going to make their workflow easier.
Your HR team
can create a change management plan to introduce the change and highlight its
benefits to employees across the organisation. Instead of being secretive, be
transparent with your people. Train your department heads to support employees
during the change.
Conduct user
training in your offices for all the ERP users and give them hands-on training.
All these initiatives will help your employees to feel confident about using
ERP software and support you in fulfilling your business goals.
--
Need more advice
on ERP for constructions and how to
get ready for a successful ERP implementation?
Contact the
experts who designed the flexible project-based ERP solution, OMNI ERP.
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