Get SMART: Avoid the Pain of ERP Upgrades
By George Wellock, Senior Management Consultant
Preparing for an ERP Upgrade is never easy and comes with risks, expenses and potential business disruptions
You decide to upgrade your ERP system because the benefits to your organization far outweigh the cost and difficulties of upgrading. Right?
Yet, many organizations forget to heed the sage advice of Benjamin Franklin: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Pragmatek helps companies avoid many of the pains that an upgrade brings by applying Franklin’s thinking to “Get SMART” – it’s all about taking the right steps to get ready for a smooth upgrade.
Here’s how Pragmatek has helped ease this process for mid- to large-sized clients in all types of industries:
S = Select the right Software – With all of the ERP modules and solutions to choose from, do your homework to avoid the risk of software that doesn’t meet your needs. At Leech Lake Gaming, we defined business requirements before an upgrade decision was made. Pragmatek has successfully completed more than 40 software selection engagements for clients from a variety of industries.
M = Manage your Project’s Value – Pragmatek utilizes a unique tool to outline the return on investment for client projects to avoid overspending and poor returns. At Tennant, we built project support for an SAP upgrade with our “Value Levers” tool that detailed line-item improvements on the company’s income statement and balance sheet.
A = Align your Organization for Success – At Remmele, we supported an IFS upgrade by capturing the current state of its supply chain processes, applying best practices, and streamlining its future-state approach before launching an ERP upgrade. Clear alignment of business processes will avoid bottlenecks and reduce decision delays during the upgrade.
R = Rationalize your Reporting Needs – At Deluxe, we planned an SAP BI and MDM upgrade and developed a comprehensive reporting strategy before the update design. This was designed to avoid data management disruptions and prepare the organization with solid reporting capabilities. Determine what information is required from the system before designing processes and making critical configuration decisions.
T = Team Selection is Vital – Pick the best and brightest to ensure ERP update success. At MTS, we served as mentors to the Program Management Office and developed a road map for the project team to deliver a successful upgrade. “A” team players were engaged and you can read the outcomes.
Developing and executing a comprehensive ERP upgrade approach – using all of these “Get SMART” concepts – allows our clients to make life a little easier when they take on strategic programs, such as upgrades and implementations.
Want to avoid the pain of an upgrade? Contact me if you have questions about SMART Preparation. |
