Important factors while choosing ERP for Manufacturing Industry

ERP for Manufacturing Industry

Choosing ERP for Manufacturing Industry

If you are reading this you are either tech savvy or you belong to the manufacturing industry. For the majority of nations, manufacturing is considered as the backbone of the economy. In manufacturing, the process is huge and involves a lot of complexity. Without an ERP tool, all the operations would turn into nightmares. When selecting an ERP for your manufacturing unit you need to keep certain points in mind.  The options are numerous and there is, in fact, an entire business ecosystem around this specific question (consultants, resellers, and companies that help you decide and/or implement the solution for you). It’s a huge subject but we’ll try to cover the basics to get you started.

Features

Obviously, whatever you choose needs to cover the basic aspects of your business requirements. The tool should have what you want or should have the option to integrate it. Your choice will be different if you want to make your inventory management more efficient compared to handling better your customers and sales leads – or if you want to improve how you work in both fields. It’s important to prioritize your goals as most of the best solutions out there -targeted to small and middle size business- also focus on doing one or two things well. So, the feature set they offer should match your goals as closely as possible.

Note that having more features than needed might sound like a good thing to have but, in reality, it adds unnecessary complexity and increases the learning curve (and drives hidden costs higher).

Data Visualization & Export

As all the processes have to be audited and documented, data integrity plays a vital role. Can your ERP generate a printable report of all interactions with customers, suppliers, affiliates etc? How about aggregate data graphs or end of month/year reports? What level of detail can the ERP provider in how your business works?  Again, simplicity but also completeness in data visualization is key to understanding your business with a snapshot. Can you easily share this information among employees? Also, if you decide to change systems in the future is your information locked in the current ERP?

Usability

Here your human resource comes into the picture. Perhaps a make-or-break aspect is how easy it is to understand how the software works at a glance. Do you and your employees have to undergo lengthy training to learn and change the way they work? Or is the solution so well designed that you’ll hardly ever need a manual? The abundance of solutions out there makes this particular criterion potentially the decisive factor: The ERP with the shallower learning curve usually prevails over the ERP with the most features. This is true especially for very small businesses.

Security

Your organization can’t afford to have loopholes in the security system. You trust your crucial business data somewhere that at least initially feels foreign and you should be sure that proper encryption and security measures are in the place where necessary. At the same time, security should be as much as needed, it shouldn’t get in the way of usability and you should ‘buy’ to the extent that you need it (e.g. there’s more reason for it if you know that in the past a competitor has been after your data)

Data Import

It’s important to consider – especially if your business has been running for a few years now – how and to what extent will you be able to import your existing information into the new system. This is a function of what format your data are in currently, how well organized and easy to process are and to what extent you’ll need to manually edit in order to be able to start to actually work with them.

Maintenance

Once the system is in place, it’s not the end of the story. You have to consider how much it will cost to maintain it and in what way it can be upgraded to include further features or needs that will arise in the future. Also, consider hardware equipment and additional licenses you might need as well as what the backup scheme in case of disaster. Hosted or Software-as-a-Service solutions usually offer this out of the box. So small & medium enterprise (SME) do not have to deal with upgrades, maintenance, and installations. All is needed in the latter case is a web-browser and an Internet connection.

Miscellaneous

Apart from the above points, there are a number of other details that are easy to forget but can hugely limit your solution if left unchecked. Most likely the system needs to support multiple currencies (e.g. in its reports) or have product tracking capabilities. Furthermore, there might be industry- or business-specific individual needs that must be covered in your particular case. Also, the tool might have to integrate with the website if the company sells online

Cost

Everything boils down to Cost. Firstly, we need to change the mindset that implementing an ERP is an investment for the organization. Yes, cost plays the vital role in selection, but it depends on factors like domain related, proprietary or open source software, no of users, etc.

See here for more information on implementing ERP for the manufacturing industry.

How to Analyze Business Processes for ERP implementations

In our last blog post we discussed about 5 tips to create Successful ERP implementation 7 Tips for In which we discussed that proper analyzing of your business process is one of the important task. In this post we will discuss how Business Process Mapping is important to reduce the risk during the ERP implementation. Business Process Gathering or in simple term Functional Requirement gathering helps you to sketch proper timelines and optimum utilization of the resource working on the project.

Here we go with some tips on How to analyze your Business Process for ERP Implementation

Select the right Process. – One of the most important part of any organization is to focus on those processes which are key towards the working of your organization. There may be other processes which are not proper and need to be work on to create smoothness. Concentrating on most important process will help you to gain more value.

Simple Process – Any organizations have multiple processes some of them are simple and some are complex. Our suggestion is to start with Simple Process and then analyze the complex process. Since simple process will gain your confidence & motivation.

Key Opinions – Identify the key players and make sure those are involved. Since their key opinions will give perfectness to the process you are mapping. There are cases where lower management know everything and senior management are unaware of.

Elimination of Bottlenecks – It is very important to identify the bottlenecks in the processes so that they don’t create problems while ERP implementation. Inefficient processes elimination helps you to gain value and improved ERP solution.

Process Flow diagram – They played a very important role – Create workflow diagrams using various software or simply create on a paper with some text showing the detail working of the departments. We have suggested this to many of our clients and the results were 100% perfect even there are new changes in the flows. Flow charts and process diagrams of your organization give a cleaner picture to the vendors before starting the implementation.

Confirmation of Flow – Take help of various people of your organization towards the confirmation of the flow. Since every department flows are different, It gives you a confirmation that the ERP and the departments working on the same page and remove any inaccuracy and unintended bias.

Modification – There are modification in the BRD (Business Requirement Document). This happens when you are testing the ERP software therefore it is necessary to modify the document constantly.

Apart from the above tips if you feel that you need to hire external vendor to create a Business process or Functional requirement Document – you can do so to ensure proper mapping and requirement gathering. But it should be noted that External vendors also need various inputs of your organizational members, to create and map the process successfully.

About Bista Solutions

We at Bista Solutions are the official Gold Partners of Odoo OpenERP and have done many implementation and Business requirement gathering for many of our clients. Business Process gathering helps you to create a proper mapping of your organization before ERP implementations. Apart from that it also reduces the timelines of the project.

For any information –On BRD or Functional requirement gathering you can contact our Business development Manager using our contact form.

5 Important Tips for ERP Implementation

ERP implementation

Enterprise resource Planning (ERP) tools helps you to automate all your business processes and simplify your management, reporting & hierarchical communication. Apart from that it also provides you with the health of your customer pipelines. Many organization implements ERP software but sometimes due to lack of planning, there are blunders during the implementation which finally leads to failure. It is not only the failure of ERP implementation but also of Money, resources, time and other aspects of your organizations. ERP is usually referred to as a category of business-management software—typically a suite of integrated applications—that an organization can use to collect, store, manage and interpret data from these many business activities.

ERP provides an integrated and continuously updated view of core business processes using common databases maintained by a database management system. ERP systems track business resources—cash, raw materials, production capacity—and the status of business commitments: orders, purchase orders, and payroll. The applications that make up the system share data across various departments (manufacturing, purchasing, sales, accounting, etc.) that provide the data. ERP facilitates information flow between all business functions and manages connections to outside stakeholders.

Enterprise system software is a multibillion-dollar industry that produces comp

Today we will provide you with 5 important tips for ERP implementation to be effective & efficient

  • Assign an internal resource for preparing the ERP implementation. This will help you to figure out the timelines, your business flow and other areas of your organization. You can also opt for Business requirement Analysis or Functional data gathering by the third party.
  • Put the pain points and main points in writing with the help of Flow charts it will be easy for understanding during the implementation.
  • Check Vendor Capabilities and ask for various functional demo and history of the software you are selecting for your organization
  • If not sure – Run a Proof of Concept or Pilot program with key stakeholders of your organization
  • Keep in mind your users since they are the final users of the software

For more tips on ERP implementation, see our article: 10 reasons for ERP implementation failures.

Top 10 Reasons for ERP Implementation Failure & How to Avoid It.

ERP implementation projects can quickly become a nightmare without proper planning and management, making it crucial for organizations to take the process seriously and avoid common pitfalls. With over 30 years of experience in ERP implementation, we have gained deep expertise in the details of the implementation process. Our experience has taught us how to effectively lead ERP implementations to success and assist you in avoiding common pitfalls of ERP implementation failures. Here are some key factors you should know to confidently navigate the ERP implementation process.

1. Not Having a Clear Objective

Clear objectives serve as a road map for the implementation of the ERP project, guiding the selection of relevant ERP modules, defining project scope, allocating resources, and developing key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress. When objectives aren’t clear, it is difficult to match the implementation process with the expected outcomes. It is impossible to prioritize work, allocate resources effectively, and track progress without defined objectives. As a result, the implementation will fail.

 How to Define Clear Objectives? 

  • Determine the company’s main challenges.
  • Involve stakeholders from all departments to understand their perspectives and expectations.
  • Prioritize goals based on their impact and feasibility.
  • Convert broad aims into concrete, quantifiable targets.
  • Set KPIs that are aligned with each target.
  • Ensure that everyone understands the objectives and their role in attaining them.     

2. Poor Planning 

Effective planning is crucial for successful ERP implementation. Inadequate or ineffective planning can give rise to various issues that hinder progress and result in delays, exceeding budgets, and failure to achieve desired results. It is essential to invest time and effort in comprehensive planning to mitigate risks and ensure a smooth and successful ERP deployment.

How to Plan Effectively?

 Points to consider before planning for ERP implementation:

  • Goals and objectives
  • Critical business processes
  • Requirements and functionalities
  • Budget and timeline
  • Risks and challenges
  • Integration with existing systems
  • Training and change management
  • Data migration and quality
  • Ongoing technical support

3. Lack of Committed Leadership

One crucial reason for ERP implementation failure is the absence of committed leadership due to which Businesses may face a lack of clear direction and vision, resulting in confusion and delays during the implementation process. By committed leadership we mean a person who closely aligns with the organization’s goals and clearly communicates their expectations for the ERP implementation. It is imperative for business owners to prioritize committed leadership that can drive the implementation forward, and ensure effective communication, ultimately leading to a successful ERP implementation.

How to Avoid This?

  • Clearly define the responsibilities and roles of leadership.
  • Choose a passionate leader who will be in charge of the implementation process.
  • Make certain that the chosen leader is aware of the goals and objectives of the business.
  • Encourage open dialogue and effective teamwork between the implementation team and organizational leaders.
  • Give the selected leader the necessary instruction and encouragement to improve their knowledge and abilities.
  • Encourage top-level management to be actively involved and engaged throughout the implementation.
  • Establish explicit guidelines for leadership participation and responsibility throughout the implementation phase.

4. Choice of Implementation Partner 

Choosing the right implementation partner is important to the success of any project, particularly complicated and technology-intensive ERP implementation. The implementation partner you choose should have the required skills, resources, and experience to finish the project on time, on budget, and with the intended quality. Otherwise, you would be unable to reap the full benefits of your ERP implementation.

How to Choose the Right Implementation Partner?

  • Examine the experience, competence, and industry understanding of the partner.
  • Assess the technical skills and capabilities of your partner.
  • Request client testimonials and references.
  • Recognize your partner’s project management technique.
  • Inquire about post-implementation assistance and training options.
  • Ensure congruence with corporate goals.
  • Examine your collaboration and communication skills.
  • Consider scalability and future growth potential.

5. Resistance to Change

In today’s business landscape, organizations often face substantial challenges when it comes to adapting to the changes brought about by implementing an ERP system. Despite the potential benefits, the efforts invested can become futile if the user resists the necessary changes and prefers to cling to familiar, traditional ways of doing things. 

How to Implement Proper Change Management?

To address this issue effectively, it is crucial to foster inclusivity and ensure that comprehensive change management strategies are in place, encompassing procedural, technological, and human resource aspects. By engaging everyone and facilitating a smooth transition, organizations can overcome resistance to change and maximize the value derived from the ERP system.

6. Inadequate Testing

Insufficient or inadequate testing during ERP deployment can result in critical errors, system malfunctions, and inaccurate information, which can significantly impede the effective implementation and utilization of the ERP system. Comprehensive testing is necessary, encompassing single business activity tests, volume tests, and simulated go-live scenarios. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right implementation partner with expertise in qualitative analysis to ensure smooth operations and minimize risks.

 How to Test Effectively?

  • Establish clear testing objectives aligned with business goals and expectations.
  • Validate critical business processes supported by the ERP system.
  • Perform end-to-end testing to ensure smooth integration and data flow.
  • Validate data migration accuracy and completeness.
  • Assess system scalability for handling increased volumes and growth.
  • Involve end-users in user acceptance testing to validate functionality.
  • Evaluate training materials and support mechanisms for effectiveness. 

7. Communication Barriers

Inadequate communication between your company and the ERP implementation partner might lead to ERP failure. For starters, it might cause expectations to be misaligned, resulting in misunderstandings and delays in the implementation process. Second, your implementation partner will be skeptical about your organization’s needs, resulting in a system that does not satisfy your specific requirements. It also resulted in delayed issue resolution resulting in extended project timelines.

 How to Communicate Effectively?

  •  Set up regular meetings to update and review project progress.
  • Use collaborative tools and platforms.
  • Define roles and duties for your organization as well as your ERP Implementation partner.
  • Encourage open communication and feedback between parties.
  • Maintain a consolidated collection of project-related documents.
  • Keep everyone up to date on project progress, milestones, and modifications.
  • Address complaints and concerns as soon as possible to avoid delays or complications.

8. Lack of User Training & Support

ERP implementations might suffer from poor training and support, which can also result in failure. Users can find it difficult to adapt to and fully utilize the ERP system if they are not properly trained on its features and processes, which will lead to inefficient and ineffective workflows. 

 How to Provide the Right  User Training?

  • Conduct comprehensive research on the training and support offerings of your chosen ERP implementation partner. 
  • Develop a tailored training plan that aligns with your organization’s specific needs. (Collaborate with Bista Solutions to leverage their 24/7 support and user training services) 
  • Conduct training sessions to familiarize users with the ERP features and workflows. 
  • Ensure access to post-implementation support.
  • Request comprehensive user documentation and resources from your implementation partner. (Bista Solutions offers a vast library of resources and can provide customized documentation support specific to your implementation)
  • Organize refresher sessions to reinforce knowledge and empower super-users.

9. Poor Data Quality

Having clear, accurate, and well-formatted data while implementing ERP software is very important. Ignoring poor-quality data puts the organization to risk and leads to  ERP Implementation failure. Moving on with the implementation project without resolving data issues might result in greater operational expenses, lower team member performance, slower decision-making processes, and poor customer satisfaction.

 How to Ensure Data Quality?

As a business owner consider the following points to ensure that Quality is not compromised- 

  • Establish data standards for precision, completeness, and consistency.
  • Create a framework for data governance to manage data quality.
  • Before migrating, thoroughly cleanse and validate the data.
  • Create ongoing data maintenance processes.
  • Users should be trained on data entry best practices.
  • Use data analytics for continuous monitoring and problem detection.

10. Non-Realistic Timeframe

Unrealistic time frames in ERP implementation can arise from a desire for immediate results and a limited understanding of the complexity involved. Unfortunately, such situations often lead to notable challenges and potential failure. Setting unreasonably tight deadlines can burden the implementation team, compelling them to rush tasks or handle multiple aspects concurrently. Therefore undermining the overall success of the implementation process.

How to Avoid This?

  • Conduct comprehensive project analysis and assessment
  • Identify necessary tasks and resources
  • Create a detailed project plan with clear timelines
  • Incorporate contingency time for unforeseen issues
  • Involve stakeholders and seek their input
  • Monitor progress regularly
  • Maintain open communication with the team and stakeholders
  • Identify and address potential delays promptly.

Choose Bista Solutions Succesful ERP Implementation Services

  • 3 Decades of ERP implementation Experience
  • 200+ Successful Custom App developments
  • 250+ Expert Developers at your service
  • 350+ Successful Project Implementations Completed
  • One of the Most Trusted Odoo Gold Partners
  • Global Presence in 10+ Countries
  • 24/7 Support Available

 

Discuss your thoughts, concerns, and aspirations related to  ERP implementation, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a free demo or Talk to our Expert Consultants Today!

6 Advantages of Odoo OpenERP

Odoo OpenERP

As we all know that Odoo (OpenERP) is one of the fastest growing Open source ERP software. I still remember those days 3 years back when we use to implement OpenERP Version 5 and within 3 years due to powerful community support and innovations, OpenERP version 7 has been released. The Top advantage of Using OpenERP version 7 is again that OpenERP 7 is completely open source.  Let’s have a look on some of the most powerful advantages of using OpenERP version 7

1. User Interface

OpenERP version 7 comes with a new look and superb user interface. The looks are simple and less cluttered. OpenERP version 7 even changed the theme color from Red to light Blue which is soothing to the user’s eyes

2. Search Facility

The new OpenERP version allows users to search across the screen. The user can easily filter via advance search using special field criteria, and that is the most important aspects which every user would like to have.

3. Pace

OpenERP version 7 is much quicker as compare to the older version, the response time, and viewing of pages and menus is many ways better in the current version

4. Modules

Installation of new modules in OpenERP version 7 have certain differences, there are new applications (Apps) available such as social network, Address book etc. It is much easier if you are looking out for multiple module installations in version 7. It is simply select the multiple modules from the list view and you can install them in one go.

5. New Message functionality

Once the user is login – OpenERP version 7 allows the user to see the list of messages and things happening in the organization. It is as similar as a Facebook wall where a user can see who is working on which part. People can join the group and can send messages to the company via this feature

6. Easy Directions

OpenERP version 7 allows a user to have easy direction on things they can do once logged in – Say for eg: previously there was a question mark where a user could see the examples of the features.

About Bista Solutions:

We at Bista solutions are the official Silver Partners of OpenERP and have done many implementations for our clients — We are based in USA, Canada, India, & Europe. For more information, visit our website or contact us here.

Tagged in : OpenERP Version 7,  OpenERP version 7 Implementation, OpenERP 7 Integration, Feature

Tips to reduce ERP implementation Costs

Enterprise resource planning software is considered as one the most important system for the entire organization. There are various reasons and goals for implementing an ERP software. On the other hand the cost of ERP implementations is another pin point for an organization which motivates to take further step and this needs to be managed carefully.

Estimations of ERP Project implementation cost is not that easy – therefore a realistic project saving could be little difficult. Again further the cost of the implementation is based on the kind of industry & the way you would be implementing the software. There are many companies who have achieved maximum cost saving and many benefits with an ERP software.

Common Misconception on ERP implementations costing

From our personal experiences – we have found many clients who want to do the implementation of ERP software without really understanding the cost involved. Therefore it should be noted that ERP software is an investment for your organization which give returns slowly by increasing the efficiency and productivity of your employees and business processes.

Open source is free – Another misconception we have seen is Open source is free – Although it is free from freedom point of view and not from the costing. Open source reduce the cost of ERP implementations since there are no licensing fees & Vendor Lock in.

Difference between installation and Implementation – This is another common misconception where clients feels installation and implementation as same although both the terms are different – Installations is done via few clicks whereas implementations carries many other areas such as creating the users, hierarchy, integration, Training,  Customizations as per the business process and so on . .

Tips to reduce the cost of ERP implementation

Tip No 1

Go for Open source : If you are really looking out for low budget ERP then our first suggestion is to check your needs and requirements via Open source ERP software. Open source is growing even in mission critical organizations – the first advantage to reduce your ERP implementation cost comes when you are selecting a license free ERP software packages.

Tip No 2

Slow and steady wins the Race : Do remember ERP software implementations is not a 1 day or a month task since the implementation timelines completely depend on the modules you are looking out for – therefore proper planning and business requirement analysis with timelines can reduce the cost of implementation and will not need to do extra investments.

Tip No 3

Minimize customizations – Customization is one of the pain points of ERP implementations therefore minimize the customizations of module if not required since a single customization can disturb the other modules which you are implementing. Our suggestion is to start with plain implementation and further go for customizations as require

Tip No 4

Keep in Mind future growth – Before selecting ERP software you must keep in mind the future growth of your organization & its users the ERP software should be a long term Asset for your organization

Tip No 5

Experience Vendor – Selecting Experience vendor in similar implementations helps you to reduce the timelines & thereby the costing.

Tip No 6

Support & Testing – “ERP implementations are successful when user starts using it” Therefore a strong testing team with proper support time to time is a must. Else you have developed the software and no one is using it.

About Bista Solutions :

We are the official Silver partners of OpenERP which is one of the leading open source ERP software. You can feel free to ask any queries or tips related to ERP implementations – message us using our contact form for more information

How to make successful ERP Implementation

ERP software or Enterprise Resource planning system helps a lot to change the way your company does business. ERP software implementation if done correctly or successfully can help in high profits, better efficiencies, decision making, and easy identifications of your business problems and resolve them quickly. ERP software is considered as one single software to help your organization.

There are many times companies are not fully satisfied with their new ERP system although the implementation was skillfully done with proper selection and training. There are many common problems that can arise during the implementation or after the implementation of ERP software.

How to insure your ERP implementation is a success?

Pain Areas – One of the most important parts is to understand the pain areas so that ERP vendor can provide you with customized solutions for the problems – suddenly a change in a process may disturb the working of your various departments. Therefore it is better to understand the pain areas via business requirement analysis.

Selecting the Right ERP package – Choosing the right package as per your business requirement helps you in future growth as well as you save a lot on the budgetary part. There are many ERP software available in the market but it is you who choose the latest technology for the implementation

ERP Vendor – Homework before selecting the vendor is important since it is not the vendor who makes the ERP implementation successful it is a 2-way effect. Therefore you must see the history of successful implementations by the vendor in the similar sector. Note – ERP implementations are not successful until the user starts using it.

Understanding – A proper understanding of the task towards the project is necessary – therefore ensure every decision maker of the organization is involved in underlining the business process and getting the GAP analysis between various software packages and the business

Clear Milestone – Before agreeing on the project a Stage of milestone setting is very important since it allows you to get clear timelines of the task you are proposing to the vendor for the implementation

Benefits from ERP – You should be clear on what kind of benefits ERP software implementation will be providing you, As this will decide you have a proper budget and realistic expectations for the project

Training – Training is one of the important parts of making ERP implementations successful – therefore it is better to involve users in the first level of Pilot testing so that necessary changes can be undertaken – apart from that proper training and understanding of the software with various hierarchy needs to be given for Successful ERP implementations.

Bista Solutions has over a decade of experience implementing ERP systems across many different industries. If you’re interested in implementing ERP and want to avoid common mistakes, get in touch. We’d be happy to help.

A small guide on ERP implementations

ERP Guide

A Small Guide On ERP Implementations

Implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can be a complex undertaking that affects many parts of the business. As with any major initiative, a carefully designed implementation plan is essential. Dividing your implementation into phases, each with specific goals can help you achieve success. This ERP implementation guide will show you how to achieve these advantages by defining the essential steps and best practices for a successful ERP implementation.

Introducing ERP System

An ERP system is excellent for cost reduction, and by improving collaboration, it can help you significantly increase productivity and efficiency, resulting in high-quality customer service and allowing you to stay ahead of your competitors.

You should use ERP software for various reasons, but how do you ensure it is properly implemented? Here are the key steps for a successful ERP implementation.

Define Clear Objectives and Requirements

Before initiating the ERP implementation, define clear goals and objectives. Understand why you need an ERP system and what challenges it will solve. Identify the specific business processes you want to improve and define the desired results. 

Key Actions:

  • Define project objectives and success criteria
  • Identify key processes and pain points to address
  • Set specific goals

Select the Right ERP Software

Choosing the correct ERP system is critical. Consider various solutions based on your company’s needs, budget, and future growth plans. Consider factors like usability, functionality, scalability, and integration capabilities.

Key Actions:

  • Research multiple ERP vendors and request demos 
  • Evaluate software features against your requirements 
  • Consider scalability, customization, and integration options

Assemble a Dedicated Project Team

An ERP implementation requires a dedicated team with defined roles. Include representatives from IT, finance, human resources, operations, and other departments that will be using the system. Assign a project manager to monitor the entire process.

Key Actions:

  • Create a project team that includes representatives from each department
  • Assign a project manager to coordinate tasks and timelines
  • Define your roles, responsibilities, and communication channels

Develop a Comprehensive Implementation Plan

Create a detailed plan outlining each stage of the implementation process. Include a timeline, milestones, and responsibilities. A well-structured plan keeps the project on track and ensures that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and tasks.

Key Actions:

  • Outline the key phases of implementation (planning, testing, training, etc.)
  • Create realistic timelines and milestones
  • Create a budget for software, hardware, training, and support

Map and Optimize Business Processes

Review and document your current business processes prior to implementing the ERP system. Find inefficiencies and areas for improvement. This step ensures that your ERP implementation streamlines and improves your workflows rather than repeating existing problems.

Key Actions:

  • Document your current workflows and processes
  • Identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement
  • Redesign processes in accordance with the ERP system’s capabilities

Data Migration and Preparation

Data migration is the process of transferring existing data from legacy systems to the new ERP platform. This is a critical step because inaccurate or incomplete data can cause operational issues.

Key Actions:

  • Clean and organize your data to eliminate duplicates and outdated information
  • Create a data migration strategy, including mapping and testing
  • Conduct pre-launch tests to ensure data accuracy and integrity

Configure and Customize the ERP System

Customize the ERP system to meet your specific business needs. This may include configuring modules, user permissions, and workflows. However, excessive customization may complicate updates and maintenance.

Key Actions:

  • Configure the system’s settings, user roles, and security controls
  • Customize workflows and reports as needed
  • Test the configurations to ensure that they meet business needs

Integration with Other Systems

Check that your ERP system is compatible with other software solutions, such as CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, and third-party tools. Integration improves data flow and reduces the need for manual entry.

Key Actions:

  • Identify systems that must be integrated with the ERP
  • Develop an integration strategy and a data synchronization plan
  • Integration tests are performed to ensure that platforms run smoothly

Thorough Testing of the ERP System

Prior to going live, conduct extensive testing. Testing aids in identifying any issues or bugs in the system, ensuring a smooth launch. Involve end users in the testing process to ensure that the system meets their needs.

Key Actions:

  • Perform unit, system, and user acceptance testing
  • To identify potential problems, simulate real-world scenarios
  • Adjust as needed in response to feedback

Provide Comprehensive User Training

A successful ERP implementation is dependent on how well your team can use the new system. Organize training sessions to ensure that all users are familiar with the software and understand how it benefits their workflows.

Key Actions:

  • Develop a training program for diverse user groups
  • Offer hands-on training, user guides, and online resources
  • Encourage feedback to help improve the training process

Go Live and Monitor the System

Once testing and training are finished, it’s time to go live. To minimize disruption, consider a phased rollout beginning with specific modules or departments. After going live, closely monitor the system to address any issues quickly.

Key Actions:

  • Plan a phased rollout or a full-scale launch depending on your strategy
  • Monitor system performance and address issues promptly 
  • Collect user feedback to make improvements after the launch

Post Implementation Support and Continuous Improvement

ERP implementation is not a one-time occurrence. Provide ongoing support to resolve any technical issues and ensure continuous improvement. Review system performance on a regular basis, update features as needed, and adapt to changing business needs.

Key Actions:

  • Establish a support team for troubleshooting and user assistance
  • Schedule regular system reviews and updates
  • Continuously improve the system based on user feedback and business growth

Common ERP Implementation Mistakes To Avoid

ERP implementation can be a complex process, so it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that can occur during the implementation process in order to avoid them. The following are some of the most common ERP implementation mistakes to avoid.

Not Involving Key Stakeholders

Failing to include key stakeholders in the ERP implementation process may result in a lack of project buy-in and support. Include stakeholders from different departments in the planning and implementation process to ensure that the system meets the needs of all users.

Underestimating The Complexity Of The Project

ERP implementation can be a complicated and time-consuming process. Underestimating the project’s complexity can lead to delays and increased costs. Before you begin the implementation process, make sure you understand the project’s scope and complexity.

Not Having A Clear Plan And Timeline

Without a clear plan and timeline, the implementation process can become unorganized and chaotic. Create a detailed plan and timeline to ensure that the project stays on track and gets completed on time.

Not Having A Dedicated Implementation Team

ERP implementation necessitates the formation of a dedicated team of professionals with the necessary skills and expertise. The lack of a dedicated implementation team can result in delays and increased costs.

Not Providing Adequate Training

Proper training is necessary to ensure that employees can effectively use the new ERP system. Inadequate training can result in a lack of adoption and a failure to realize the ERP system’s full potential.

Not Providing Ongoing Support And Maintenance

ERP systems require ongoing support and maintenance to ensure that they continue to function correctly and meet the needs of the organization. Not providing ongoing support and maintenance can lead to a failure to realize the full potential of the ERP system.

How Long Does ERP Implementation Take To Go Live?

The implementation of an ERP solution can take anywhere between 2 and 9 months, depending on the number of software services and/or modules being implemented. The number of users and the level of customization required on an ERP system will all impact the timeline for implementation.

Tips For Avoiding Extra ERP Implementation Costs

Choose the Right ERP Vendor and Implementation Partner

Choosing the right ERP vendor and partner is essential. Ensure they understand your company’s requirements, can deliver within your budget, and have a track record of successful implementations.

Avoid Over-Customization

Customizing an ERP system can be expensive and time-consuming. Customization is required to some extent, but excessive alteration can increase the cost of development, testing, and maintenance.

Ensure Proper Integration Planning

Plan these integrations carefully if your ERP system needs to interface with other software programs (e-commerce, CRM, etc.). Ineffective planning can result in incompatibilities and higher rework costs.

Conduct Thorough Testing

Skipping or minimizing the testing phase to save time can lead to more significant problems and costs later. Proper testing helps identify and fix issues before the system goes live.

Monitor Project Scope to Prevent Scope Creep

Scope creep occurs when the project expands beyond the original plan, leading to additional costs and delays. Define a clear project scope and stick to it as much as possible.

Opt for Cloud-Based ERP Solutions

Because cloud-based ERP systems don’t require a lot of hardware, infrastructure, or IT maintenance, they frequently have lower upfront costs than on-premise solutions. Additionally, cloud solutions are more scalable, which makes cost management simpler as your company expands.

Bista Solutions | Your Ideal ERP Implementation Partner

Implementing an ERP solution in your organization may be one of your best decisions. Although it takes time and careful planning, your efforts will pay off in the long run if you make the transition to the new system as seamless as possible.

Bista Solutions has been providing robust business solutions to countless organizations for over three decades. The experts at Bista Solutions will understand your ERP needs and implement the ERP solution accordingly. You can even rely on Bista Solutions experts for ongoing support for your ERP system. For more information or to implement ERP in your business, contact our team of experts for a free consultation today. 

Odoo OpenERP v 7.0 Magento connector

Magneto connector

Magento has pretty much taken over the eCommerce technology space, and we get that question more than any other.  So for everyone that stumbles on this article in your search for your eCommerce technology, I hope this provides a little help on your journey.

Magento is considered as the most preferred eCommerce platform built on open-source technology. Using Magento the online merchant gets flexibility and control over the content, functionality, and design of their eCommerce store. Its rich features include functions like Search Engine Optimization [SEO], marketing and catalog management that are very important for e-commerce business.

There are many platforms available where an e-Commerce vendor can choose from, but there is no discussion that Magento is considered as one of the most influential e-Commerce platforms. The reason behind this is being the Open source; Magento is one of the strong eCommerce platforms available today. Another important advantage of using Magento is that it enables the store owner to install, run & customize it easily. Also, the free version is packed with amazing features to help customers.

Advantages of using Magento with OpenERP version 7:

  • Quick operation
  • Easy integration with 3rd party tools
  • Categories and Product management
  • Shipping management, order management
  • Customization as per user requirements.
  • Strong Open source community
  • Other support services are available
  • Clean User Interface
  • SEO friendly

Integration of Magento with OpenERP v 7.0 helps the merchant to sell on different online platforms. Also the eCommerce vendors can manage various stores with the help of one tool. Another significance of integration of Magento with OpenERP for ecommerce merchants is that they can handle same inventory for their different stores.

OpenERP v 7.0 integration streamlines the business process for the online merchant using Magento platform. All the orders on the Magento website can be processed within OpenERP v 7.0 thereby reducing the hassle.

For more information contact our Sales Team : sales@bistasolutions.com

Odoo OpenERP Amazon Connector

Amazon Connector

Amazon.com is one of the best online platform where eCommerce Merchants sell their products across the world. Amazon stores are considered sometimes as a primary platform for ecommerce Vendors. Many a times it becomes difficult to handle various platforms such as Magento, eBay, Amazon or Buy.com, since you need to logging in separately to manage the inventory customers, orders etc. therefore to minimize the wastage of time Bista solutions has implemented a new module for Amazon which a Connector that can be integrated with OpenERP system. This Amazon connector helps ecommerce vendor to manage all their different platforms from “One software” rather managing multiple logins.

Amazon store management is sometime a daunting task since in some of the cases you even have brick and mortar stores therefore managing multiple stores is not that easy without a proper software. With OpenERP Integration with Amazon you get a full fledge Enterprise resource planning software for managing your business processes efficiently. Apart from you also get easy management of your Amazon Store.

Some of the base Advantages of using Bista Amazon Connector with OpenERP:

  • Single software to manage all your Amazon activities.
  • Smart update of Product Catalog, pricing information, stock status, and so on . .
  • Automatic updates on Amazon from OpenERP Odoo
  • Integration of Physical brick and mortar store
  • Dashboards from OpenERP
  • Customer relationship management
  • Multiple store management.
  • Common inventory management in the case of multiple e-commerce platforms.

Apart from the above, you can be in any online business you can easily implement and integrate a variety of modules to serve your business requirements. We at Bista solutions have implemented OpenERP version 7 and integrated Amazon stores for many e-commerce vendors. For further information, you can contact our Sales and Marketing team at sales@bistasolutions.com