The choice to implement an ERP system like NetSuite is a major step for any business. If you’re looking to implement NetSuite ERP, it’s important to know that there are many things that can go wrong and unforeseen issues along the way. However, proper planning and use of resources can get you over the finish line without issue. Here are five helpful tips/tricks and best practices for a successful NetSuite ERP implementation.
1. Must have a solid project management team in place
A strong project team is essential to a successful ERP implementation. A typical NetSuite ERP implementation team includes a sponsor, project manager and representatives of key business groups involved in the project. The team’s responsibilities involve establishing top-level goals, requirements and key performance indicators (KPIs); conducting day-to-day project management, including ensuring that the project stays on time and on budget; and measuring results. During the time of an ERP implementation, the team should be able to resolve conflicts and mediate between different groups within the organization. It may also need to make decisions about mid-stream changes to implementation strategy based on user feedback, input from other departments, etc. Project team members therefore should be both knowledgeable and highly respected within the organization
2. Set a clear key requirements and KPIs
When you’re implementing an ERP system, it’s crucial to establish clear requirements, which should be linked to your business goals. For example, one of your goals might be to automate processes in order to save time and reduce costs, while another might be to improve your ability to respond to customers. It is important to identify what these requirements, features, and benefits will be early on in the planning phase. Without thorough planning and clear requirements, you might reach the point of go-live and realize that you’re missing key functionality required by your business.
You’ll also want to establish KPIs that need to be hit on the new system. These KPIs can serve as benchmarks to gauge how effective your ERP implementation was. Perhaps you want to cut costs, or improve demand forecasting accuracy. Being able to identify what these metrics are on your current system, vs. what you envision them to be on the new system allows you to better configure your ERP to hit your goals.
3. Data transfer prioritization
A crucial implementation step that calls for careful planning is the migration of data to the new ERP system. Any migration carries a risk of data loss or corruption, especially if you are standardizing and combining data from numerous applications.
The decision of whether to transfer data manually or automatically using specialized tools is a key factor in a successful NetSuite ERP implementation. Manually entering data into a new system offers the chance to wipe outdated information, such as suppliers who have closed shop and clients who haven’t placed an order in years. On the other hand, automation can make the procedure much quicker and less tiresome. Regardless of the method you use for data migration, it’s important to validate the data after the migration is complete to ensure that it is transferred correctly.
4. Offer training and support
It is not surprising that employees won’t be expert users of the recently implemented ERP system right away. Most people will need training in order to be able to use a new system and, more importantly, to benefit fully from all of its features. If they were initially uncertain about the newly implemented NetSuite platform, training can help convince holdouts of its usefulness and efficiency. One strategy is to offer specialized content, like videos and tutorials, and let users, including staff members, choose the most pertinent material for their jobs to train on. A certified NetSuite implementation partner that can give employees practical training is another valuable tool for getting employees up and running on the new system. You can also select a subset of employees, such as department heads, and train them thoroughly on the system. Once they’re familiar, they can take point on training their individual departments on the role specific features.
5. Remember the post-implementation work
The work involved in deploying a new business system does not stop after the go-live date. Once established, ERP systems like NetSuite are typically used by businesses for many years, even decades, thus, it makes sense that the system will need to be updated in the future to adapt to changing business requirements, new strategies, emerging technologies and more.
After going live, ensure that technical help is available at a moment’s notice. Having a relationship with a NetSuite consulting firm who can optimize, integrate, and adapt the platform for your business is key. Continue to collect user input to spot issues and gain suggestions for upcoming improvements.
Takeaway – NetSuite ERP implementation
The process of implementing an ERP is challenging, and something you want done once and done right. To launch the project successfully, it needs thorough planning, clear communication, and effective leadership. Using these best practices for ERP implementation ranging from requirements gathering to post go-live support will help guarantee a successful ERP implementation that gives your company maximized ROI.
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