The implementation of ERP software naturally requires a review and customisation of business processes in order to properly install and configure the software. While such review and customisation is not the equivalent of business process reengineering, it can provide a measure of process improvement. Here are a few recommended practices to ensure that your ERP implementation leads to better business processes:
Do not pave the old paths.
If a project is approached hastily or the responsibility for adapting business processes is handed over to a consultant or system integrator, you often inevitably fall into a trap. The existing processes are simply automated. It is better to determine the relevant processes yourself beforehand and leave the beaten track.
Take the time you need for business process reengineering
Take the time to define your future business processes in advance. Choosing a new ERP system can be very exciting. Once the new software is identified, it can be very tempting to start implementing it immediately. However, as mentioned in the first point above, you don't take enough time to adapt the business processes, leaving the optimisation of the processes to your consultants.
Don't fall into the "the software will guide us" trap.
Time and time again, companies fall for sales messages that the software will tell them what new business processes should look like. Today's ERP systems are too complex and flexible to provide simple answers about how business processes should work. That's why it's important to take the time to define business processes before the ERP software implementation begins. The same applies to Sector packages and software best practices: They are myths that will not enable you to optimise your business processes.
Don't forget organisational change management.
Business process reengineering doesn't mean much if your employees don't execute the new processes. Even the best software in the world is useless if users are still relying on their Excel spreadsheets and manual workarounds. Therefore, organisational change management, communication and training are crucial to ensure that you create more efficient business processes. We often see consultants and project teams spending too much time configuring software. Too little attention is paid to defining how these changes will affect employees and what new roles and responsibilities they should have.
Constantly improve your business processes
Business process reengineering should not be a one-off activity. Instead, it is an activity that should continue beyond the go-live. Some companies have established centres of excellence to ensure that this continuous process improvement mentality is maintained. This also ensures that your processes remain aligned with your ERP system (and vice versa), which ultimately results in the organisation getting more value from your ERP investment.
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