The manufacturing industry is an ever-evolving industry that shapes a country and provides jobs for millions of people around the world. There’s always a constant need for manufacturing companies to look for ways to streamline processes, increase efficiency, automate operations as possible, and reduce costs.
In addition, there are other common problems of different units not effectively communicating with each other, not getting real-time reports and all that affects a manufacturing company.
As a bridge to eliminate and simplify all the concerns mentioned and allow you to stay on top of your game comes the ERP Software (business management software). In truth, ERP Software will resolve the issues but deploying it for your business can seem like a big project. With that in mind, this article will give tips to give you a good footing.
Tips on How to Deploy ERP Software for your Manufacturing Company
1. Research! Research!! Research!!!
Choosing an ERP Software that’ll work for you in the midst of many can be tricky. But don’t worry, below are some questions that’ll guide you. In addition, you can check out our other articles on choosing the right software and ERP vendor.
Read Also: Business Management Software: 7 Steps to Choose Right
CHOOSING A BUSINESS PARTNER: 7 Things to consider before you choose.
- What is the actual cost of the software?
- Does the software match our business operations?
- How competent are the software vendor and their team?
- How long will it take to deploy the system?
- How flexible and customizable is the software?
- Are there any limitations e.g. technology, internal employee skill set, etc?
- Will it have remote working capabilities?
- Does the software meet the manufacturing industry standards?
- Will it be able to integrate all aspects of the business?
- What kind of support will be available?
The questions above are not exhaustive, but the answers to them will narrow down your search in terms of the ERP software itself and the vendor that’ll deploy it for your business.
2. The Stakeholders
As a follow-up to the previous tip, you’ll need to have an interdepartmental/unit team that’ll manage the implementation. This team should comprise representatives from different departments/units like accounts, HR, IT, inventory/warehouse, etc.
Having an interdepartmental team will ensure the different units can ensure the software improves their activities while also creating buy-in by the employees, thereby creating overall project success.
Also, there’s a need for the ERP implementation to have strong executive support.
3. Track Record/Reference
As part of the steps of choosing the right one, it is important you request reference sites and make sure you carry out due diligence on them by visiting, calling, or sending a questionnaire.
As a software vendor and implementing partner ourselves, we do get requests from prospects for reference sites similar to their industry or companies in other industries using the particular software. Request for reference checks come as “Testimonials, Case Studies, Questionnaires, Visitation and Placing of Calls”.
4. Closing the Project
Every part of the software must be properly tested under the project objectives/milestones and your operations before closing the project. As this will determine the job done. An omitted functionality can be a huge setback when the project goes live.
This can also serve as the first testing and evaluation by your team.
In summary, as your manufacturing company. It’ll be in your best interest to deploy ERP Software as your business grows, and you want to be on top of the competition.
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