The benefits of a dedicated ERP support team cannot be underestimated. In fact, evaluating the support team should be high on your to-do list if you are considering a new ERP system. Here are some factors to look for when choosing an ERP partner.
Dedicated Project Sponsor or Senior Manager for Your ERP Support Team
Your ERP support team should include a senior manager dedicated to your project who can set up the goals and objectives for your ERP implementation and ensure that it is a priority.
This person should be the key decision-maker who can support your project team with the necessary resources, time, and budget to get the job done. At the same time, this person must be able to ensure that the project is progressing as required and take corrective measures if needed.
Project Managers
You already expect to assign a project manager within your company to implement your ERP project, but having a vendor-provided project manager is also critical. ERP project managers are responsible for meeting the project scope, budget, and timeline.
Your project manager should be able to finalize deadlines and deliverables, establish and conduct regular status meetings, obtain approvals for process definitions and project documents, identify probable risks, establish risk mitigation plans, and communicate ERP project progress to stakeholders.
Change Management
This may be a team or an individual responsible for obtaining consensus and participation from all stakeholders. They must be able to inform and educate employees and anyone else that the coming ERP implementation may impact.
Change management is there to help everyone understand the new system’s benefits and will also set expectations as to how ERP data will be collected and utilized.
Subject Matter Experts
Subject matter experts, or SMEs, are those within the company who understand your business’s core practices and processes. These people will collaborate with your vendor to define business or department requirements and ensure the ERP vendor understands them. They also provide complete data where needed and help progress the project.
Implementation Partner/Technical Consultant
Your implementation partner is possibly the most critical member of your ERP support team. This team member is responsible for establishing industry best practices and standard business processes. They will carry out functional business process testing and provide training for users.
But their job doesn’t end with the implementation of your ERP project. They also provide vital ERP support after the implementation is complete. This is why you must do your research before choosing your ERP partner.
Choosing Your ERP Support Provider
When choosing an ERP vendor, look for the following qualities:
- Experience and expertise
- Flexibility and the ability to customize software, when needed
- Ongoing training and support
- Working practices and methodologies that align with your needs
- Value for the money
- A true partnership
We offer a variety of services to help you choose the right ERP solution and support it well into the future. The quality of your business software is only as good as the quality of your software provider, and we strive to be the best. We can provide custom development for your specific and unique software needs, as well as consulting, implementation, training, and support.
Reach out today to learn more.