There is a great fear that changing your ERP shop control system will mean downtime, delays, employee resistance, and even confusion. A lot of what you hear has to do with problems in implementation, and problems in ERP implementation are often the result of no be prepared properly for the change. However, you need to remember that the majority of manufacturers that have little or no problems with ERP implementation, and they are happy and successful in what they are doing with their system. In short: ERP implementation has provided a competitive edge for those who have spent the time to champion the cause within their company.

Keep in mind that ERP implementation is not a process where an installer shows up and places software in your CPU and then leaves. On the contrary, implementation is a dedicated effort and mindset toward building improvement for success in both the short term and the long term. Of course, there are numerous hurdles that must be overcome in moving through implementation toward improvement. In every sense, though, implementation must be seen as a period of change necessary to make a better company through the benefits found in information flow. (more…)

You research, research, research, and then invest in an ERP software system to improve your company productivity. In return, you expect the new system will accomplish myriad tasks to make your operation run more smoothly. You also expect that the continuous improvement it provides will result in manufacturing savings that will end up paying you back for the ERP system you’ve purchased—an effective total cost of ownership resulting from a good return on the investment (ROI).

However, the system is not just “plug and play”—a true ERP software system necessitates that there is an encompassing implementation of the system. Every employee be invested in the success of the system, and the success of the system requires complete staff integration. All aspects of an operation—from management, to administration, to operators—must use the system properly and continuously. While the best methods of ERP implementation are very much dependent upon the type and needs of the company, some processes for success are common to all operations. (more…)