HORIZON ERP

Over the last several months, many ERP software vendors have marketed their fixed-bid implementation services as a way to help their customers manage their enterprise software costs and risk. We have seen vendors offer fixed-cost service contracts in their bids to be competitive in the marketplace. Even if they don’t offer a fixed-bid solution, most vendors will offer implementation services to augment their software licenses. However, what do these vendor implementation contracts really get you? That’s where it gets a little tricky. First of all, it is helpful to understand what is meant by “implementation.” Installing and configuring software is very different than fully implementing ERP software in a way that is going to meet your business needs. In order to manage their own costs and risk, software vendors will typically include technical implementation basics in their scopes of work but often exclude other key activities that will result in problems if not a...

How can a company realize a larger return on investment and business benefits from their investments in their ERP software? This is a topic that most companies enjoy discussing about. Here are three key points: 1. Understand and leverage the functionality you already have.  Many ERP vendors offer a wide array of core functionality, advanced modules, and third-party applications to address the needs of their customer base. So much so, in fact, that many customers don’t fully understand the full breadth of what is right in front of them.  One key lesson for companies is that many broken business processes or perceived weaknesses in the system are often easily addressed by better leveraging functionality that already exists but isn’t necessarily being used by the organization. This can be a more cost effective solution than ripping out and replacing your incumbent ERP software package. 2. It’s never too early or too late to develop your business blueprint. ...

There are numerous emergencies that can hit a company, like natural disasters –flood, hurricane etc., apart from the man- made disasters like hacking, malware attack, virus, fire in the building also carelessness which may lead to server crash, mismanagement of software etc. Many companies actually don’t have an emergency response plan for their ERP systems, data and/or hardware. Even worse?  They think they do . Many believe the protection they have in place to alert them to technical malfunctions or safeguard them from hackers are adequate in the face of natural disaster. But take it from us: they’re typically not. A natural disaster absolutely can wipe out  all  of your systems and result in total and complete ERP failure. And if you don’t have the procedures in place to deal with it, it can take weeks or even months of downtime and millions of dollars before you’re back on track. Not very relaxing is it? Truth is, it’s time to build an ERP (emergency...

Most ERP benefits are well-known but however, it would appear certain benefits are overlooked by clients which must be highlighted as below:   1. Reduced Operating Costs  ERP solutions are meant to streamline business processes, which can improve customer service and increase revenue. As it turns out, the software can also decrease operating costs. Instead of needing an IT administrator to run reports, ERP solutions make this easy for anyone to accomplish.  Additionally, the central storage aspect means employees from different departments can input updated information as they receive it. This removes the need of having focused teams to collect and correct information.  2. Improved Security  Business owners rarely consider the security implications of an ERP system, and when they do, they often make inaccurate assumptions. While it may seem like everyone in the company will have access to potentially confidential information, th...

Most ERP project teams understand the value of functional and integration testing. It’s an important pre-go-live step to ensure the software works according to design specs and that data flows accurately through the system. Conference room pilots (CRPs) are also critical to addressing several non-technical critical success factors. However, not all implementations fully leverage the value of CRPs to address these areas, which according to our research, is a key contributing factor to ERP implementation failures. Key Outputs of an ERP Implementation’s Conference Room Pilot 1.      Business process/workflow definition.  CRPs are an ideal time to document detailed business processes and workflows as they will look in the new system. ERP software vendors typically have generic process documentation of how the system works, but it is usually not in the context of the client’s specific processes or presented in a way that users can relate to. Well-defi...

An ERP implementation life cycle refers to the distinct stages in which an organization carries out an ERP implementation. Typically, clients must move through the following seven stages: ·          Pre-Implementation ·          Project Planning ·          Product Education ·          Design Configuration ·          Development and Test ·          Go-Live ·          Post-Implementation The concept of an ERP implementation life cycle is on the minds of many clients during the start of a year.  They are heading into active ERP projects in the New Year, and considering what it means to enter into the various phases of an  ERP implementation . The Start of the ERP Implementation...

Once the organization has worked through these proven methodologies and has selected an ERP system that can meet the performance expectations that stakeholders have identified, it’s then time to consider a checklist for the ERP project kickoff. 1. Start with the ERP Project Charter:   The  ERP project charter  must be completed with client and vendor input and agreement.  The charter must capture the full details of the project.  One of the most important elements is the in-scope/out-of-scope section which clearly articulates what elements are included in the ERP project, and what are out of scope. Another key area thoroughly lists out the software and technical interfaces impacted by the project. Deviation from scope typically results in change orders with the vendor. The charter includes a section that identifies typical workloads for the folks involved with the project.  2. Involve All Key Stakeholders:  In advance of the ERP project ...

There is considerable discussion among ERP industry analysts around whether or not now is a good time to select and implement a new ERP system. However, many companies are finding the current economic environment is an ideal time to replace their current enterprise systems. In fact, according research, a majority of organizations (53%) plan to either replace or upgrade their ERP systems in the economic downturn. 1.      Reduce total cost of ownership.   ERP software vendors are pricing their offerings more aggressively than usual. This presents a unique opportunity for companies to procure software at a lower cost than possible during a more robust economic cycle. 2.      Increase revenues.  Many companies are facing flat or declining sales during the economic downturn. ERP functionality can help companies sell more effectively to better confront these economic headwinds. 3.      Increase productivity. ...

The beauty of modern ERP packages is that you have options to choose from during your ERP software selection. You can either deploy a solution by hosting it internally on your own servers (“traditional ERP”) or perhaps you would rather not deal with the software and have it hosted somewhere else (“Software As A Service” or “SaaS”). As part of your ERP selection process, however, you should be aware of five key variables that will ultimately factor into the decision that is right for you. 1.      Simplicity.  In general, SaaS is simpler to deploy from a technical perspective. Because you don’t need to purchase additional servers or physically install the software for yourself, it can be an easy and quick means of deploying the software. On the other hand, the high level of technical ease may create additional business complexities that you may not otherwise experience with traditional ERP (see #2 below). 2.      Flexibility.  ...

ERP implementations are frequently run by project managers with little ERP implementation experience. Many of these project managers refuse to contract with  ERP consultants . As a result, organizations struggle to differentiate between various ERP vendor proposals. When they do finally implement an ERP system, they struggle to realize the full benefits of digital technology. Clearly, these project managers could use third-party guidance. 1. Ensure the ERP Consultant is Technology Agnostic An independent ERP consultant has no financial ties to a particular ERP vendor or  ERP system . The implementation partner is only interested in the client’s digital transformation success. Preferred partners, on the other hand, are tied to specific vendors. In other words, a preferred partner’s revenue model depends on selling or servicing particular systems. This is typically the case with any VAR or large consulting firm specializing in just a few ERP systems. When it comes ...