Process optimisation - The right time to analyse the processes

Process optimisation is the be-all and end-all of a successful ERP implementation. But when is the right time to replace the existing processes to investigate?

How successful a ERP system The way in which the processes function depends on how well they are adapted to the workflows in the respective company. However, the processes should not just somehow lead to the goal, but in their most efficient way. That is why it is not enough to ERP project adapt the software to all processes. Instead, the company should look at their goals and the processes they need to get there. But when is the right time for an in-depth process analysis?

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Ignorance leads to disadvantage

From the professional circles, one usually hears that the processes were already in place before the ERP selection should be determined. The reason for this is that the company then knows exactly what it wants. Well thought, but this approach has one major drawback: companies are often not aware of the many possibilities offered by today's system solutions. The potential of the software then remains unused or is even misused. Instead of the hoped-for increase in efficiency, the result is an Stagnation and everyone is disappointed.
Furthermore, it is often difficult, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, to find enough resources to permanently examine and optimise processes. In addition, habit leads to a certain operational blindness and people in responsible positions in particular often find it difficult to allow development here.

Openness leads to process optimisation

In our experience, a good approach is to do some preliminary work, but also to remain open to change - both in terms of processes and software. An essential step to achieve a good basis here is to record the current processes in their actual state in writing. Even at this stage, a ERP consultant be a good support, as this can sometimes better separate the individual processes. At this point they can also collect from the employees - what changes would they make? Which optimisation is the most important for the processes in the company? It is important here to ask in a differentiated way what they would change personally and what for the company. Often they get different answers here. The feedback often shows exactly those areas where the current processes can be improved.

Apart from process optimisation, the success of ERP systems also depends on how open the users are to change. Here again, only good communication in the company - if it does not work, this is the first process that should be changed.

More on the topic of ERP projects can be found here.