By working with an ERP consultant, you can help your organization avoid common problems that occur during ERP implementation.
Defining ERP
First, let’s define ERP. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is business management software that provides high-level oversight for your entire business by combining data across all core operations. Using a singular digital platform eliminates information inaccuracies, increases efficiency and improves profitability.
Here are a few areas where ERP software can help business processes:
Supply Chain Management & Logistics
ERP software supports an efficient supply chain by expanding visibility, accurately determining demand and executing an effective production schedule and reliable delivery. The right ERP system for your organization will help you get more done with fewer resources to grow your bottom line.
Sales & Marketing
Data gathered from ERP measures market elasticity, suggests new prices to maximize profits and helps you reach your customers through personalized marketing efforts. ERP software enhances the connection between forecasting and production, providing needed insight for operations managers.
Accounting & Finance
Using ERP software to automate accounting decreases human error, allows complete control of data access permissions and ensures compliance. With integrated financial data from various systems combined, businesses can track payments, increase cash flow and improve revenue management.
Human Resources
ERP in human resources streamlines everything from payroll and benefits management to tracking employee performance and staff training. Improved human resources management helps an organization meet the demands of its business and people.
One ERP System, But Which One?
Choosing the right ERP system is a formidable undertaking. With so many business processes, all functioning according to your unique requirements and the many different ERP systems available, how do you choose the best ERP software vendor for your organization?
Here, a knowledgeable, vendor-neutral ERP consultant can help you select the best ERP system for your business requirements. Not only can an ERP system be more or less than what you need, but you will also certainly hear many claims during the sales cycle about successful ERP implementation methodologies that may or may not be relevant to your organization.
Using experience and research rather than anecdotal evidence of ERP success, the right ERP consultant will guide you on choosing the best system and vendor partner to see your business through a large-scale initiative like ERP organizational change.
Success & Failure Factors of Full-Scale Digital Transformation
ERP selection is but one initiative of full-scale digital transformation.
After selecting the technology and vendor best matched to your business operations and goals, and identifying an empirically sound implementation methodology to receive the full benefit of the software, you need resources and commitment at every level of the organization for the system and implementation to be effective.
An ERP consultant helps build the structural framework for successful organizational change by knowing how to manage the people, processes and technology every step of the way.
- Cultural assessment and readiness. The human element makes or breaks digital transformation – and people resist change. What is the culture of your organization? Is it ready for ERP implementation?
- Transformational leadership. Especially in private equity (PE), where mergers and acquisitions create diverse and dynamic cultures, overcoming the challenges of organizational change requires a transformational leadership model to bring transformational culture. What leadership styles are creating the culture in your organization?
- Learning and development. Are you providing opportunities for organizational and individual learning to gain the skills and knowledge for mastery?
These are just a few questions consulting with an ERP specialist can help answer.
Check out this unique article: https://nestellassociates.com/erp-project-letter-cxos/
Contact us today to discuss your organization’s goals and how we can help.
Talk With Nestell & Associates to Learn More About ERP Consulting
Nestell & Associates is an ERP consulting firm focused on private equity. We help execute end-to-end digital transformations for many industries through our expertise in organizational culture and organizational change readiness. Research-based ERP success and veteran experience in integrations, upgrades, mergers and acquisitions inform our methods and practices.
Our consulting for organizational change begins with a change readiness assessment, where we conduct a full analysis of your company structure and develop a customized plan that meets the specific needs of your business. With nearly 30 years of experience in private equity M&A, our team understands the tools required for a successful organizational change. Contact us to learn how our suite of ERP solutions can resolve your current challenges.
Want to learn more about ERP success? Check out this insightful article: https://nestellassociates.com/erp-achievement-the-elevator-pitch/
Nestell & Associates
Episode 68: ERP Success: Practitioner Pointers
In this episode, we discuss ERP organizational change implementation with David Ogilvie, a colleague, and long-time practitioner. We dive into some valuable specifics of ERP success, ERP Implementation Project Management, the role of corporate culture, common challenges, learning & development (L&D), and more!
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About Nestell & Associates
Where People, Processes, and Technology Align
Nestell & Associates is a strategy and management firm. We can help you take your portfolio companies to the next level by demonstrating how to execute a scalable, methodical, and disciplined approach to ERP Organizational Change and Digital Transformation success.