ERP resource planning software helps businesses operate far more logically, smartly and efficiently than traditional business models. So how does the ERP implementation process work in small and medium-sized businesses to control resources and improve profit performance?
An international-standard ERP software implementation process goes through the following steps:
Project preparation
In this phase, the business and the ERP project team sign the contract and prepare the project. Preparation includes forming the project team, assigning the tasks to be prepared, and defining the steps, phases and implementation timeline.
>>> The ERP model - the ideal choice for small and medium-sized businesses
Is the ERP implementation process harder than it looks, or "easier than you'd think"?
The ERP project team includes the project manager, experienced members, experts and the management board. These people are highly skilled in structuring and configuring the model. They are also experts in organizational management, restructuring business models and measuring how user-friendly the model is. In other words, the ERP project team are people with a comprehensive vision who are highly trusted by the organization.
Consulting and survey
The ERP implementation provider's BA team surveys the business, including infrastructure, organizational structure, field of operation, business operations, HR records, reports and communication systems... and from that builds a current-state assessment as the basis for later implementation stages.
Consulting and survey in the ERP implementation process
This stage helps ERP providers and implementers better understand the business's operating processes. At the same time, the business can see which areas need to be completed to implement ERP software truly effectively.
Building standard processes and business systems
After surveying the business's current state, the software provider prepares a document describing user requirements and business processes (URD). This document describes all of the business's operating processes and each department's requirements. Agreeing the URD between the two parties is extremely important, because the more accurate the URD, the fewer changes to the software structure will be needed later.
Next, the provider can give advice and propose technical solutions, accounting procedures… to solve the management problems the business is facing.
System analysis and development
The software engineering team designs and programs the system according to the description document. Once programmed, the software goes to the test team, who test the system and check for any bugs.
System analysis and development to check for any bugs
System development steps include:
Setting up the server, including data structure, program structure, data entry screens, business features…
Checking the accuracy of the design, and adjusting and modifying the software.
Installing the ERP model
After completing the steps above, the software provider writes documentation and installs the software for the business. The provider then supports and guides the business on how to apply the program to its work.
Support can be provided remotely or on site at the business's headquarters. Throughout use, managers can regularly talk to the solution provider for advice and the fastest possible answers to their questions.
Go-live and project acceptance
When the ERP implementation process is complete, the software moves from testing to live use. This means the old system stops and all data from the previous system is migrated to the new ERP system.
Project acceptance takes place after the software solution handover is complete
The acceptance phase takes place after the software solution handover is complete and covers: the business modules developed according to the URD, system administrator accounts, installation and user guides, test data for UAT acceptance, the System Setup Manual...
Maintaining the ERP model
Maintenance is carried out when software providers receive notice from the business that a problem has occurred during use. The provider fixes and resolves program errors using one of the following measures:
Guiding the resolution of incidents or software bugs over the Internet using online support software or by phone…
The software provider sends staff to the business to examine and resolve problems with the installed software in person.
The solution provider is always on hand to maintain the system when problems occur
In cases such as viruses or electrical or hard drive failures, depending on the severity and the terms agreed, the software provider reinstalls the software for the business.
Applying an ERP implementation process with international-standard steps helps businesses solve resource management problems more smartly and effectively. Sbiz.vn is committed to always being a reputable provider of high-quality smart business management solutions, offering maximum support for businesses' growth and expansion now and in the future!