You feel that your Excel spreadsheets, separate programs and re-keying are no longer enough, and you are thinking about an ERP. Good instinct, but the trap is to start with the software. Here are the five steps, in order, that make the difference.
Step 1: name the problem you want to solve
An ERP is not a goal, it is a means. Write in two or three sentences what is wrong today and what you want to achieve. A few examples of clear goals:
- knowing your real stock without a manual count;
- invoicing faster and tracking unpaid invoices;
- having a single view of sales, purchases and cash;
- no longer re-keying the same information in three places.
Without a goal, you cannot tell at the end whether the project succeeded.
Step 2: describe your processes as they really are
Take a day to map how an order moves through the company, from first contact to payment. Who does what, with which tool, and when? This map reveals double entries, waiting times and workarounds. It is also the best basis for a discussion with an integrator.
Step 3: define a realistic scope
The temptation is to want everything at once. Successful projects start with a core and then expand. Sort your needs into three columns: essential at the start, useful later, nice to have. Only the first column goes into phase 1.
Step 4: choose the solution and the partner
Once the need is clear, compare solutions on your real case, not on a generic demonstration. Ask to see your own scenarios played out in the tool. Choosing the partner matters as much as choosing the software: we have gathered ten questions to ask in a dedicated article.
Step 5: build the project team on the company side
No integrator can succeed alone. Appoint a project lead on the company side, available and with the authority to decide. Add contacts by function: sales, purchasing, stock, accounting. They will validate the choices and help the others adopt the tool.
What to avoid at the start
- choosing software before defining your needs;
- fully delegating the project to the integrator or the IT department;
- wanting to reproduce your old habits exactly, even the problematic ones;
- underestimating the time data migration will take;
- forgetting training in the budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is my company too small for an ERP?
Rarely. As soon as several people enter the same information or stock and invoicing contradict each other, a unified tool brings a gain. A small business can start with only a few apps.
How long does it take to get started?
Steps 1 to 3 can be done in a few days to a few weeks with support. The deployment itself depends on the scope.
Do we have to computerise everything at once?
No. Starting with a functional core and then expanding reduces risk and makes adoption easier.
Taking stock with us
Steps 1 to 3 are exactly what our digital diagnostic is about: it gives you a snapshot of where you stand and a defined scope. To talk it over, book a slot with an expert.