SAP: 4 steps for a successful implementation
The implementation of SAP is a major change in an enterprise. To ensure the success of such an implementation, it is important to follow a proven methodology.
1- Ask the right questions
What is the need to implement a system like SAP? Do you want to better centralize the information between the services and thus ensure a better overall visibility? Or do you want to gain productivity? All these questions It is important to question yourself by taking into account the software already present in your company. Migration to an ERP is a real evolution strategy that requires both human and technical precautions. And the cost and the time of implementation are not negligible. Moreover, the subsequent stages depend on this crucial phase of reflection and definition.
2- Designate Ambassadors
Before going further, choose people who will accompany the implementation. Establish a team of SMEs that will work with the implementation team, these SMEs will have a good knowledge of the culture and history of the company as well as senior sponsors within the exec team. The latter will have a key role, as it will establish internal team to be their ambassadors. The reason why most SAP implementation failure are due to lack of involvement of the management.
Further training, including personalized follow-up, may be offered by the implementation team.
3- The Deployment
The project can last between 6 and twelve months as part of a small business, the teams of the SMEs must also get along well with the implementation team, and this requires a lot of communication, one of the causes of failure is not embracing the to change that is coming to the enterprise or keeping an older software that does not integrate with SAP is usually fatal. The key words of the implementation of SAP are the good definition of the project at the base according to clearly defined objectives, an excellent communication between the integrator and the company, and a meticulous follow-up.
4- Before Switching Over
Before switchover to SAP ensure a thorough testing. The data migration is a part of the implementation, the data will need to be profiled, cleaned and migrated. It is important to train all users who will be using SAP as this will be new to all the business it is imperative for them to adopt the new system and know how to operate it.