Implement a ERP that speaks of your business’ mission and vision is not a cake walk. There are many paradigm involved, which you must tackle out in a smart way to bring in the desired results. When it comes to ERP Implementation, most people struggle with the dilemma whether to do it in-house or outsource.
Doing it in-house certainly helps your company save a big amount but that saving can even end up costing your business if in case the things aren’t done in the desired manner. So how do you get to deal with this? The very first thing you need to figure out is whether or not you need to outsource the ERP Implementation.
Outsource the ERP Implementation / Support
Step 1: Deciding if you need to outsource ERP Implementation
If you are in dilemma regarding outsourcing of ERP Implementation, the evaluation of the following will help you figure out if you need to outsource it or do it in-house. You certainly need to outsource ERP Implementation project, if you lag the following:
Marketing leaders with expertise in guiding ERP strategy, defining the target audiences, defining the key success metrics.
Our Efficient ERP Engineers capable of designing unique, and appealing ERP flow and process.
Proficient ERP Engineers who can produce clean, effective code, and assimilate a ERP, easy to be updated on your ERP.
Project managers capable of taking control over the time line and budget
Step 2: Finding out an Outsource Company
Once you have decided that you need to outsource ERP Implementation, the next task is to find out the companies that can do the work for you. You can get through some outsourcing companies by:
Locating on Google or any other search engine
Seeking references from other business firms
Placing ads
Step 3: Choosing the right Outsourcing Vendor
Now that you have got a fair number of outsourcing vendors, it’s time to pick the one who will be perfect for your business. Here too, you will have to stick to some criteria in order to select the best and most authentic one:
Check the experience: Good work and experience can often be contradictory. However, when we talk of ERP Implementation, it would always be better to go with a vendor that has good years of experience in the field as they will understand the eccentricities pretty well.
Evaluate the work samples: You will be able to best judge the quality of their work once you get to check out some of their previous works. Ask for samples and demos so that you can figure out whether the company will be capable of developing the site as per your requirements or not.
Check for company infrastructure & quality certification: You will have to find out whether or not the company so selected has a good infrastructure or not. Also, check if they can produce any quality certification that proves their authenticity in the field.
Market reputation: Run a thorough check on the outsourcing company’s market reputation. Refer the client testimonials and also ask for references to find if the company holds a good place in the market as far as quality of work is concerned. This is important for you to know so that you don’t end up investing your time and money on something that turns out vague in the end.
Company competence: This is one important thing to know. You must be aware of the fact if the vendor would be able to process your ideas and project needs. Unless the outsourcing company understands your project requirements, the end result can never be satisfactory.
The Manpower: ERP Implementation as we said in the beginning also, is not a child’s play. It requires expert and proficient minds to carry out the entire process right from functional aspect to business process of the ERP . You must check out if the company you have chosen has good manpower. From ERP developers to processmaker , everyone must be experienced and skilled enough to fulfill the task with perfection or least flaws.
Mode of communication: As you build business ties with the company, you will have to interact with the concerned group of people within the organization. Check what mode of communication is being used there. English being the global language is a criteria must to be fulfilled by them.
NDA: Though most of the outsourcing companies would be willing to sign up for the NDA (non-disclosure agreement) in the best interest of their clients, however; you must still make the point clear before sealing the deal so that there are no pitfalls ahead.
Payment statistics: Once you feel that the prospective vendor is meeting all your business requirements, the next in line comes payment. You will have to see if it agrees to your demand of upfront payment. If you feel that the demand isn’t feasible, you for sure can look for next company.
Step 4: Heading with Project Documentation
Once you have come across the right outsourcing company, it’s time to take the project on-board. The very first thing you need to do is documenting the entire project. You must list what the project is all about, the target audience, the objectives and all other important aspects that you want to be implemented in the ERP. This documentation can then be sent to the outsourcing vendor either in the form of a mail, a scan or if the need be, you can send it as a hard copy as well whichever sounds more convenient and feasible.
Step 5: Weekly meetings
Monitoring the project from your end is very crucial. You must stay updated with each and every ERP Implementation so that nothing goes wrong through the process. It would always be better to hold weekly meetings wherein you will not only get to know about the progress of the task, but can even give in some inputs or order the changes if in case any required.
Step 6: Project process
The whole of ERP Implementation process is basically divided into three core parts viz. Designing, Developing and Testing. The outsourcing company will design your ERP as per the guidelines or framework you provide to them. The ERP Implementation part also incorporates your inputs and the major requirements of your business. Once designing and ERP Implementation phase is over, your ERP project now will head to the final stage i.e. Testing. You will be provided with the demo of the ERP once your outsourcing partner tests the site so created for its functioning and other technical aspects
Step 7: The Final Dealing & Payment
This is the final stage of your ERP Implementation outsourcing. Post the testing, the vendor will hand you over the site so developed. You can evaluate and see if it’s done as per your specifications. Changes can be made, if you feel there is a need. If all goes well, it’s time to make the due payment and put your site on action!