The fear of change is no stranger to SMBs, or large enterprise organizations. Usually, the unknown, particularly when it comes to implementing new software, brings with it the need to adapt, learn new roles and even give up legacy ways of handling business processes.
But, the decision to invest in new software should never be based on an all-in-at-one-time scenario. Instead, a strategy embracing the use of old-records and applications, like those residing in the headquarters office, for example, should be not be replaced in one-fell-swoop with the latest CRM/ERP platform.
According to the IT.Toolbox, the best success for implementing an ERP platform really depends on the goals of the company:
Phased-in, or ‘Big Bang’…
Mistakenly, many the decision makers may think it’s crucial to reach operational efficiency as soon as possible. While there are benefits to going the route of the ‘big bang’ rollout, the risks include the possible unplanned disruption of business activities throughout the company—not to mention the impact to customer relations.
For sure, the costs can be lower, due to the fact that training and maintenance is focused on a single system.
But by doing the “phased rollout,” adjustments can be made in steps as the transition is made; this strategy also allows for a more methodical training program, giving the employees more time to get use to the new system.
Think “two tier” when before implementation.
Yes, there is a credible reason to keep core records on a legacy systems while implementing the “more nimble, upstart systems at subsidiary businesses,” for example. The latter approach immediately recognizes the need for a business to remain “agile:”
“But there is another, more revealing way to look at the tiers: reverse them. Imagine the lower tier contains the core system, hidden behind the scenes at headquarters, while the upper tier exposes a layer of agile, connected systems to the outside world…(then, it is realized that ) they are not selected merely because they are cheaper and simpler to implement (though that’s often the case). They are chosen primarily because they can offer the ubiquitous access, real-time responses and ad hoc flexibility that business people demand in today’s connected environment.”
Contact us to learn more about Microsoft Dynamics ERP software, and how we can help direct it’s implementation and deployment for your company.
