The challenges of a post modern ERP

Every “worthwhile” initiative or investment, especially those involving business transformation, faces a series of pitfalls and challenges. Project managers must anticipate and avoid pitfalls and ruts, while change management actors must identify motivational levers and unite teams to overcome challenges. In this context, what are the different challenges of a post modern ERP software.

Strategy FINANCE

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Post modern ERP: integration and service continuity

While a post-modern ERP system is an excellent solution for many companies, it is commonly associated with a significant mobilization of IT specialists to perform the integration, operations monitoring and governance of the multiple stakeholders involved. One of the vital components in the pre- and post-integration phases is the management of continuous monitoring of post-production operations.

Indeed, one or the other of the software components that you have integrated, can be modified by one of your suppliers. In this case, adjustments to your integration or initial configuration may be necessary.

The full awareness of this type of event, the design of action plans and the planning of procedures to be carried out, are all key success factors not only for the teams in charge of the life of the system, but also for integrating as quickly as possible the benefits of the evolutions (often planned by your suppliers) of the selected solutions.

    Customization, a never-ending activity

    In addition to the integration work, customizations and/or developments are sometimes required. Depending on the approach and the method used to carry them out, the response to requests for adjustments or changes made by the business lines can be more or less flexible.

    Customizations can be a core activity in a post-modern ERP, as its initial objective is to better serve special requests from departments, which themselves need to adjust to competitive behavior, regulations, standards, restitutions, or requests from third parties, internal, partners or external.

    ERP post modern : training

    Although fully integrated, due to the use of different products and systems in a post-modern ERP, user training may differ from one software to another. Anticipating training needs, investing in the means and tools to provide them, and being informed of changes in functionality must be taken into account. Our experience leads us to apply very often approaches of transformation follow-up continuously, when accompanying our clients.

    The SLA (Service Level Agreements) of SaaS providers

    The support provided by SaaS vendors and cloud hosting providers is likely to vary considerably. Even if your post-modern ERP system is integrated and tuned like clockwork, a single weak point in one of the applications or integration links in the chain can ruin the effectiveness, efficiency or even the simple functioning of the entire system.

    Isolating the source of the problem can already be problematic, especially in a configuration of heterogeneous components. Circumventing and quarantining the object of the incident can sometimes be complex. Obtaining a fix or a permanent solution that is incompatible with the company’s operational requirements.

    Our feedback on the Theselection assistance provided to our customers makes us believe that it is essential, for any company involved in a digital transition or a post-modern ERP, to perfectly master the contractual clauses of service commitments (what is covered and what is excluded), for each component of the chain.

    It is also imperative to understand and take into account the risk of breach of warranty associated with the realization and commissioning of customizations or developments, even (and especially) if these were totally or partially realized by the supplier of the application or the incriminated tooling.

    What is your business strategy?

    Each “postmodern ERP” approach is different from one company to another. It is not necessary to embrace a global and exclusively postmodern approach. What really matters is that each company defines its own approach and that it meets its own expectations.

    For more information, please contact our consultants who can assist you in evaluating the costs and opportunities related to your situation.

    We will engage in understanding your strategy and assist you in defining an alignment plan prior to your technology decisions.

    By Christophe CARRE.

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