Going Live With Your ERP
Welcome to the final installment in our ERP Implementation Steps series! So far you have learned how to choose the best ERP, and how to evaluate and plan your project. Now it is time to find out what exactly happens from the time you submit your purchase order to the time you “Go Live” with your new ERP system.
At Cetec ERP our goal is to help your business run more efficiently. As Kris Wall of B & K Valves recently told us, “The Cetec ERP system has made our business much clearer, much easier to manage… It’s definitely helped us achieve our goals and actually grow.” We hope that the same is true for every business we work with. Implementing a new ERP system is a lot of work, but with the help of our expert team your business can make the change as smoothly as possible. Here is what you can expect as you prepare to Go Live.
The “Big Bang” Approach To Implementation
In order to implement an ERP system you need to transition existing processes and data, as well as train your employees on the system. The most common approach to implementation, and what we typically recommend, is the “Big Bang” approach. The bulk of the work in this model is frontloaded, meaning your data conversion, training, and process modeling work will happen at the beginning. Then at a specific “cutover” point, typically over a weekend, your legacy system is inactivated and Cetec becomes the authoritative data source.
In our experience this approach is the most efficient for SMBs. Other implementation project approaches include a phased rollout, parallel systems adoption, or hybrid. Since the Big Bang approach is what we use in the majority of cases that is what we will focus on for this post. However, know that we will adjust the plan based on your company’s specific needs.
Data Conversion, Process Modeling, Training, and Configuration
The first step in the process is data conversion. When your data is converted into the system first you build a solid foundation for better training and faster adoption of the system by your employees. At Cetec ERP, our team handles data transfer in a software driven reproducible process. We route the data desired for migration through a set of programs to transform and load the data from spreadsheet format.
Next up is process modeling and documentation. We will work with a group of “super users” to identify areas and processes that will fundamentally change, as opposed to the processes that will stay the same. We do this in order to record the changes and distribute them to the employees who will be experiencing the change.
After documenting which processes will be changing it is time to train your employees. Training meetings are typically held weekly, with each meeting focusing on a distinct area. Users are given access to a Cetec ERP environment so they can familiarize themselves with the system and practice the skills they will need after you go live. You may choose to assign “checklists” as homework to ensure your employees are completing the training, as well as providing a gauge for company readiness ahead of the switch.
Finally, your system will be configured to meet your specific needs as a company. We believe customization in ERP is important, which is why we give you the tools to configure your system, and quickly change those configurations, according to your own needs.
Final Cutover and Go Live
The Cetec ERP implementation team will work with you to coordinate the final data exports, imports, and the sequence of events needed to smoothly transition to Cetec ERP. As we mentioned above this final cutover point typically happens over a weekend.
Our team of ERP experts offers on site consulting services for support, training, process consulting, and tailored system configuration. Our goal is to help you achieve a fast and successful cutover to Cetec ERP, whether you’re currently using a legacy system or you do not have an ERP system at all.
That’s it! Your company is now set up with Cetec ERP, ready to streamline your processes and grow. All that is left now is to take a look at the ongoing support options and determine which one is right for you.
Ongoing Support Options
We know questions about the system will still pop up from time to time, which is why we offer ongoing support at three levels: Lite, Standard, and Enterprise. To see what is included in each plan visit our Support Packages webpage. Your support level is a month-by-month agreement, and you can change your level of support at any time. In addition to different levels of support we offer optional system upgrades such as extra data storage, customer portals, or a shipping plugin. These optional upgrades are available for an additional cost. Visit our Upgrades and Extras webpage for more information about what we offer.
Your “Go Live” date is approaching! Find out exactly what happens before and after you go live with Cetec ERP.