Implementation of an ERP System

Implementing an ERP system in an organization is an extremely complex process. It takes lot of systematic planning, expert consultation and well-structured approach. Due to its extensive scope it may even take years to implement in a large organization. Implementing an ERP system will eventually necessitate significant changes on staff and work processes. While it may seem practical for an in-house IT administration to head the project, it is commonly advised that special ERP implementation experts be consulted, since they are specially trained in deploying these kinds of systems.

Organizations generally use ERP vendors or consulting companies to implement their customized ERP system. There are three types of professional services that are provided when implementing an ERP system, they are Consulting, Customization and Support.

• Consulting Services - are responsible for the initial stages of ERP implementation where they help an organization go live with their new system, with product training, workflow, improve ERP's use in the specific organization, etc.

• Customization Services - work by extending the use of the new ERP system or changing its use by creating customized interfaces and/or underlying application code. While ERP systems are made for many core routines, there are still some needs that need to be built or customized for a particular organization.

• Support Services - include both support and maintenance of ERP systems. For instance, trouble shooting and assistance with ERP issues.

The ERP implementation process goes through five major stages which are Structured Planning, Process Assessment, Data Compilation & Cleanup, Education & Testing and Usage & Evaluation.

1. Structured Planning

Structured Planning is the foremost and the most crucial stage where an capable project team is selected, present business processes are studied, information flow within and outside the organization is scrutinized, vital objectives are set and a comprehensive implementation plan is formulated.

2. Process Assessment

Process Assessment is the next important stage where the prospective software capabilities are examined, manual business processes are recognized and standard working procedures are constructed.

3. Data Compilation & Cleanup

Data Compilation & Cleanup helps in identifying data which is to be converted and the new information that would be needed. The compiled data is then analyzed for accuracy and completeness, throwing away the worthless/unwanted information.

4. Education & Testing

Education & Testing aids in proofing the system and educating the users with ERP mechanisms. The complete database is tested and verified by the project team using multiple testing methods and processes. A broad in-house training is held where all the concerned users are oriented with the functioning of the new ERP system.

5. Usage & Evaluation

Usage & Evaluation is the final and an ongoing stage for the ERP. The lately implemented ERP is deployed live within the organization and is regularly checked by the project team for any flaw or error detection.

COMPANIES USING ERP SYSTEMS

ALLTEC INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING, INC.

Alltec is a leading provider of molded interior components for the aerospace industry. We take great pride in our 30+ years of development for the world’s largest interior outfitters. Our product development expertise includes; gasper air outlets, call attendant buttons, reading light buttons, seating sub-components, arm rests, escutcheons, tray table latches, edge guards, bumpers, premium class seating details, IFE enclosures, window reveals, and a multitude of fasteners.

BLUE STAR PLASTICS, INC.

The company provides custom injection molding of thermoplastic components for companies in the automotive, consumer electronics, industrial controls, material handling, and paper products industries. It also offers contract manufacturing services for plastic assembled products, as well as providing additional services such as assembly, heat staking, hot stamping, pad printing, and sonic welding. Blue Star Plastics operates 17 thermoplastic molding machines, ranging in size from 44 tons to 720 tons, at its 60,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and warehousing space.

IMPACT PLASTICS, INC.

Impact Plastics has been an industry leader in providing superior quality, environmentally friendly solutions for the waste industry. Focusing on supplying long lasting parts with exceptional customer service, Impact Plastics guarantees unsurpassed quality, reliability and performance in the field. Our product line includes - container lids and parts, casters and wheels roll off parts and more.

ERP SOFTWARE PROVIDERS

SAGE ERP SOFTWARE

Sage ERP also offers functionality for accounting, inventory control, material resource planning, shop floor control, human resources, and supply chain management. The system is relatively unique for the manufacturing and distribution software markets in its ability to offer the choice of multiple databases, operating systems, and deployments (on-premise or web-based). The easily customizable portfolio is especially popular among global enterprises with multi-language and multi-currency requirements.

SAP BUSINESS ALL-IN-ONE SOFTWARE

SAP Business All-in-One is a suite designed for medium-sized businesses who want the sophistication of SAP’s Business Suite, but require a faster implementation and lower total cost of ownership. The product is the same code base as the Business Suite, but comes “out of the box” with preset configurations which speed the implementation process for mid-sized organizations. SAP Business All-in-One addresses the needs of many different industries and claims over 700 industry-specific software solutions.

NETSUITE ERP SOFTWARE

NetSuite is a business management software suite offered as a service that performs enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) functions. It is a horizontal package designed for an extensive range of industries. The NetSuite Financials system can integrate with a company’s back-office, sales, and service processes. NetSuite Financials includes applications for financial accounting, financial reporting and analytics, payment management, order and billing management, supply chain management, and inventory management. Financial information through NetSuite can be accessed through a web browser or mobile device. The system undergoes automatic upgrades and comes with various customization options.