Implementation of the ERP System - Research Paper Example

? Implementation Number: Lecturer: Introduction The major effort that should be done in the ERP system is when it comes to the implementation of the ERP system. The major work lies in this. The costs that are expected to be used here are training, integration, and testing. It has been found that even with the best ERP system with a poor implementation plan, the whole system is bound to fail. The implementation will determine the success of the ERP system (Young, 2009). There are instances where the system needs to certain crucial implementation steps like training. Poor training will mean that the people who are supposed to be using the system are in the dark in the running of the system. They need to be part of the implementers of the system rather than being mere spectators (Graham, 2009). For Aux Bons Soins to go through in the implementation process of the system, they need to have all the data that need to be captured in the system in place. The data should not have any signs of redundancy. They should be as clean as a possible. There should be modules in place that will be used in the various sectors like the finance module, the human resource and the payroll system. The placing of these systems in place will make integration of the systems to be simple (Graham, 2009). Challenges of implementing ERP There are various challenges that are experienced in implementing an ERP system. This was experienced with the implementation of ERP in Aux Bons Soins. The main causes for the difficulties of the implementation are that of lack of support from the top management. Initially, there was a lack of understanding of the system with the top management. The top management was not supportive of the implementation of the new system. They did not think that the system will solve the problems of the various departments. This therefore affected the way finances were distributed and the way funding was undertaken. Without enough financial resources, a new system will not be implemented well. This was a major issue with the implementation of ERP system in Aux Bons Soins (Graham, 2009). Another source of the difficulty was the lack of cohesion between the various departments in the organization. Since the ERP system will be used to serve various processes in the whole organization, there is a need to have a unified process and one vision of the whole organization. There was a problem with the whole organization as the various departments in the organization had varying views (Young, 2009). This is something that made the implementation process hard. If the system would be implemented in one department or fewer departments, the problem could be avoided and the implementation would be a lot easier. Each department has developed their own objectives. This is making the whole process difficult. This made unifying the whole implementation process a tedious process. ERP systems serve many departments and; this is unlike other systems which are used to manage one process which affects one or two departments (Graham, 2009). Another issue and source of difficulties in the process were the technical compatibility with the other systems which have been running in the organization. It was hard for the technical department to unify the technical modules so that there is one system and the compatibility with the various processes that are found in the different departments. This is one cause of the difficulties which were found in the various departments (Graham, 2009). Key elements which led to success One of the key factors that will determine the success of an ERP is the project management. This is the application of the skills and knowledge so that the coordination of the schedules and activity monitoring is achieved. The plan for project management involves the definition of the activities that will be performed, assigning of personnel to those activities, and promoting the acceptability of the process in the system. There is also the very important factor of business process reengineering. This is the redesigning of the business processes so that there is improvement in the critical and contemporary measures in performance and also reduction in cost, quality and service. The organization should be willing to change their businesses to suit the ERP software so that customization is minimized. Since one of the main reasons for the implementation of the ERP system is to have a better business process in the company, there is therefore need to have a critical look at the way these two can be integrated for the improvement of the systems in the company (Graham, 2009). There is also a need to have user training and education so there is an understanding of what the system will do in the company. All the people should be aware of the system and the benefits it has on the system. Many researchers have come out clearly on the importance of education and training for the users in the adoption of the new system. This will increase the comfort of the use of the software in the workplace (Graham, 2009). The right technical structures should also put in place for the success of the ERP system implementation. This is crucial due to the fact that the legacy IT infrastructure will have to be improved in order to accommodate the ERP system. There will be a need for having a new infrastructure in place. For the ERP to be successful, the right hardware and software should be installed in place. Change management is a very critical area where the employees and the management should be trained for the change that will be accepted in the company. One of the most common obstacles in the implementation of a new system is the resistance to change. This is destructive since it can bring conflicts between the actors. The conflict can also be time consuming as there will be a need to have time to resolve the conflict in the management and the employee perception (Smith, & Seifert, 2005). Management of risk is also important in the implementation of the ERP, and by extension, any information system that needs to be implemented. Risk is the probable chance of the project being deviated from the initial intention. Risk management is the taking of precautions so that the unexpected situations will not deviate the project from its original intentions. The importance of risk management is therefore to minimize the occurrence of unexpected occurrences that may interfere the smooth running and implementation of the system. Conclusion Implementation of new systems is an issue which should be taken into consideration. This is because the objectives that led to the development of the systems should be met. ERP systems are important and gaining popular. It is important to follow the requirements that were initially set. The objectives of the ERP system should be well taken care of. Risks should be managed well. This will lead to successful systems that will meet the requirements. References Graham, G. (2009). Enterprise tools. New York: Routledge. Smith, S.M., & Seifert, W.J. (2005). The reality of the enterprise tools and information systems: An overview of key technology policy issues affecting its use and growth. Illinois: Nova Publishers. Young, L.M. (2009). ERP: the complete reference. Osborne: Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Read More