Preparing for an ERP Software Implementation - Setting Project Goals

When preparing for an ERP software implementation, setting project goals is critical to it's success. The goals should be based on what a successful outcome looks like to you.

Document Pain Points

There are often specific “pain points” that are driving this change. This is the time to document those pains and try to quantify them. Next set goals based on your pain points. For instance if your asset management program is not integrated with accounting, how much time is spent manually reconciling between the two systems? Your goal may be to reduce that time in half and eliminate errors as a result of duplicate entry.

Maybe your pain is that your purchasing department over orders to ensure they don't run out of product, thus tying up cash in inventory. The goal may be better visibility into inventory and a system that helps to calculate demand, making purchase order recommendations thus freeing up capital.

Timeline with Metrics

Once you have defined quantifiable metrics, and set project goals, create a schedule that will allow you to stay on target throughout your ERP software implementation journey. Things can change down the road, but setting these measurable objectives before the software implementation helps map out long-term goals for the organization. How? During implementation its easy to get sidetracked with options, bells and whistles, but if you continue to refer back to the project goals, they can keep the ERP software implementation team focused and on task.

When goal-setting, don’t get caught up in the why and the how. Keep your focus on what you want to accomplish. Through the process of goal setting and defining your critical business requirements, vendors will be able to work with you to create a roadmap to implementation success.

Long-Term Goals

Also, think about long term goals. Your pain points must be and should be addressed and solved within a short period of time after you Go Live with a new ERP system. After all, those pain points are likely driving the decision to implement a new system. As you are goal setting, think about long-term goals and how you want the ERP software to help support your business growth and alter the culture for years to come.

Your end goals don’t always have to be quantifiable statements such as “increase revenues by 17%”. Setting up broader goals such as “enhancing communication and visibility throughout the organization” helps provide a clear yet achievable goal for the entire organization.