Common ERP Implementation Strategies

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Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERP) make business work. They allow you to see the big picture so you can move your business in the right direction. However, just having a solution is not enough to lead your company to success. Your success will largely depend on your ERP implementation strategies. You need to consider your implementation strategy as soon as possible so to maximize the benefits. No single blog post can fully explain every strategy, but here is a quick guide to get you started.

The Importance of ERP Implementation Strategies

ERP implementation strategies are necessary for the transition from your legacy system to the new ERP software. It makes sure the transition is smooth, efficient, and aligned with your business goals. Choosing the right strategy minimizes disruptions, enhances user adoption, and helps you realize the full benefits of your ERP system. Whether you opt for a Big Bang approach or a phased rollout, understanding these strategies will guide you in making an informed decision that fits your company’s unique needs.

Three ERP Implementation Strategies

Big Bang Implementation

Big bang Implementation happens all at once. You install every module on every computer system in your entire organization in a single night. While there are some pre-implementation tasks, there is no turning back once you changeover to the new system.

Big bang has its supporters and critics. Most people claim the risk factors as their main reasons to not use a big bang. However, you can set up your ERP quickly and more cost efficient with a big bang. If you choose this strategy, be prepared for temporary reduced productivity as your personnel get used to the new system.

Phased Rollout

With phase rollout, you install components over time rather than all at once. Your company moves from your legacy system to your new one in a series of predetermined steps. You can complete these steps using one of the following formats.

  • Phased Rollout by Module: With module rollout, you install ERP modules one at a time. Most people typically start with the core functions and then add other modules based on their needs and hierarchy.
  • Phased Rollout by Business Unit: Business unit rollouts make the changes based on the needs of your business units. ERP implementations happen department by department.
  • Phase Rollout by Geography: The format works well for companies with multiple locations. Also known as pilot adoption, each location or department implements the new system when they feel ready.

As with big bang, phase rollout has its own fair share of pros and cons. Phase rollouts let your company ease into the new system. However, they also make your network and infrastructure more complex and error-prone. You also risk data loss as ERP modules exist to work together as a single unit.

Parallel Adoption

Also called parallel conversion, parallel running, or parallel cutover, parallel adoption is the least risky of the three implantation strategies. With this strategy, you run both the old and new ERP systems at the same time. Then, once the new system is fully functional and employees are comfortable using it, you phase out the old one.

Parallel adoption is slower than big bang but faster than phased rollout, with a smaller learning curve compared to big bang. While it is more challenging than phased adoption, the main trade-off of parallel adoption is the increased cost, as it requires twice the resources.

The ERP implementation you should use depends on your business goals and needs. There is no one size fits all solution here. Every business is unique and requires a unique implementation based on careful planning and analysis.

Tailored ERP Solutions for Long-Term Success with Mayer Group

At Mayer Group, we specialize in helping businesses identify and implement the best ERP strategies for smooth transitions and long-term success. Our expertise in ERP implementation, combined with our knowledge of Acumatica’s flexible and scalable software, allows us to offer solutions that fit your specific business requirements. For advice on which is right for your business, contact us today, and we will help you devise a strategy that will lead your business to success.

Medical Device ERP: Your Boots on the Ground

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This is a good time to fully recognize the potential of innovative business software. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a fairly recent software discipline that addresses many important needs. ERP streamlines varied processes that previously demanded costly individual attention. Quite a few industries have widely adopted ERP solutions. The medical device industry offers an interesting case study in adopting new technologies quickly. In this fast-growing sector, competition is relatively fierce. Only organizations that rapidly adapt to new technology trends can remain fully competitive.

Mid-sized companies face unique challenges as they manage numerous subordinates on a regional or international level. An integrated ERP solution can bridge the gap for managers who need more control over remote teams and projects. Like virtual “boots on the ground,” ERP gives managers more direct control over broader swathes of people and processes.

In recognition of developing trends, ERP developers are broadly addressing the needs of the medical sector. The best developers have fully mastered inventory management software for medical device manufacturers or distributors. With a more centralized inventory management system, it is simple to keep well stocked without overbuying. In any industry, inventory shrinkage is a constant, nagging source of concern. Medical device manufacturing solutions with serial lot traceability are critical for containing shrinkage.

It isn’t hard to find a business software solution for small to midsized medical device manufacturers or distributors. In the competitive software industry, developers who consciously address user needs quickly gain visibility. The most prestigious of these developers are now providing serial lot traceability for medical device manufacturers. Only time will tell how many more ways ERP will change the ace of modern manufacturing.

Even with dedicated software support, learning new software is a time-consuming process. Nevertheless, cutting-edge ERP software is generally a worthwhile investment. Updating software is an essential way to improve workflow processes for medical device manufacturers and distributors. Some managers stubbornly cling to older software that is conveniently familiar. That convenience might come at the expense of slow-bleeding company resources. Modern ERP solutions increase transparency; crucially, they identify processes that are quietly dragging down organizational efficiency. Maintaining an innovative tradition, ERP developers provide crucial tools for connectivity. With ERP, one manager can keep track of key data points for far-flung warehouses, annexes and offices. By allowing greater transparency and communication, ERP helps professionals prioritize their best efforts

Should I Purchase my ERP or Rent it?

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Enterprise resource planning software is more essential than ever before and if you want to gain an edge over your competitors, you must ensure that you are making the most out of your systems. For small to medium-sized businesses, Midsize Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is a worthy upgrade from less encompassing programs like QuickBooks.

However, using ERP software involves a number of decisions such as determining whether renting on a monthly basis or if purchasing is best for your business. Here are a few tips for choosing whether to rent or buy your ERP software.

Which is Cheaper?

Ultimately, one option will be more cost-effective for your particular business in the long run and saving money on software gives you the flexibility to spend elsewhere. If you know which package you want to purchase and want to commit for the long term, it may be best to buy it outright.

When you buy, you own your system and your data. Typically, you get a return for your investment within 5 years. When you pay a monthly fee for a SaaS-based solution, your data is hosted in the cloud environment and you pay a recurring monthly fee.

The convenience of a rented solution is not dealing with, worrying about, purchasing or maintaining infrastructure. To answer which path is cheaper, compare cost over 5 years. In most cases, purchased solutions end up being the less expensive alternative.

Is Flexibility Important?

By renting your ERP software, there are limits to customizations. For those new to ERP, having the ability to report on data from within the system is crucial. Having the ability to add custom reporting fields is a benefit of a purchased solution. Work with an experienced provider who can assess your needs and determine which system works best for your organization.

Are There Options?

The software economy is moving toward a model where applications tend to be rented or cloud-based. However, a one time capital expenditure may be more suited for companies that prefer not to commit to a monthly fee.

If you are interested in taking advantage of a cloud solution, purchased solutions can be placed in a hosted environment, and you won’t have to worry about infrastructure expenses. This can be a valuable middle ground for businesses that want to own their ERP but avoid the overhead of on-premise infrastructure.

The Right Size For You

ERP software is valuable for businesses of all sizes. This is because, as it allows owners and managers to focus on what they do best instead of dealing with financial nuances and logistics.

However, it is important to choose the right package for you. You have to decide whether it is best to make a one-time purchase and maintain a program, or rent it and pay ongoing costs.

Buy or Rent ERP: Making the Right Decision

Choosing whether to buy or rent ERP software depends on your business’s requirements, budget, and operational goals. Renting provides flexibility and avoids large upfront costs, but buying offers long term savings and greter control over customizations. Understanding the benefits of each option is important to making an informed decision.

Tailored ERP Solutions for Your Unique Business Needs with Mayer Group

At Mayer Group, we specialize in helping businesses navigate the complexities of ERP implementation. Whether you’re looking to purchase a full-scale ERP solution or prefer the flexibility of a SaaS model, we can help personalize the right ERP system for your needs. Contact us today to explore how Acumatica Cloud ERP can optimize your business processes and support your long-term growth strategy.

Advantages of ERP Software for Retail

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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are software programs that integrate data and retail business processes into a unified Information System (IS).

Prior to development of  ERP software, the retail industry was consigned to manage all inventory data separately. It’s like going back to accounting using an adding machine.

Fortunately today there are efficient software programs that tie all the logistics of most industries together into one comprehensive program to store, manage, collect and interpret information from all segments of the processes. 

DMS Retail, an online ERP newsletter, says that ERP manages the information from the manufacturing and delivery sector, manages inventory, tracts the cost of production and planning and follows marketing and sales data. 

The system functions from a central database that holds all the data relating to the various modules. In order to achieve a smooth utilization, the ERP system uses various hardware and software units. The system is designed to expedite the applications and optimize internal business processes across an organization. ERP has become the most competitive tool for retail organizations.

The ERP software packages have an enterprise wide reach that offers cross-functional capabilities to the organization. The different functional departments involved in the operations or inventory processes are integrated into a single system. An ERP program takes care of the various business processes such as logistics, order entry,  and warehousing. It integrates different business functions such as accounting, marketing, strategic management and the human resource management.

For more information about how we can help you with your ERP needs, contact us.

Is ERP On-Site the Best Business Solution for You?

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Everyday companies are facing the challenge of how to enhance productivity. Deciding to go with cloud hosting verses ERP (enterprise resource planning) on-site software is tedious since there is really no right or wrong choice, but rather an issue of accessing your company needs and forming a strategy to find the best solution. Here are some advantages to consider regarding on-site software as a viable solution to your business needs. There are numerous advantages to utilizing on-site software, control being the most appealing. Consideration of on-demand or cloud hosting requires no data licensing costs, new infrastructure requirements along with employing third-party services.

With data security being an increasing concern companies are looking for ways to take back control preventing data leaks, security threats and other problems related to sensitive data. By deploying the ERP on-site model a company has the freedom to oversee their systems, data and most important the peace of mind that comes from knowing that critical business infrastructure resides in-house. If companies view employing IT as an investment, that investment is directly proportional to the requested scale solution. The average time frame for an on-site program is approximately 5-7 years.

ERP on-site allows for complete visibility into all the important processes, across various departments in an organization. Multiple geographic locations are also supported by network infrastructure. Although you need a license, the company owns the software. In addition to the upfront cost along with the annual maintenance /subscription renewal ranges about 20-25%.

Is ERP on-site the right choice for you? The answer lies in accessing your company’s needs and applying the best strategy. Cloud hosting is one choice among many, the good thing is it’s not the only option to consider for your business. Your option to determine the best way to grow your company is neither right or wrong however ERP on-site is recommended.

Contact us today to find out more information about how our consultation staff can help you with your manufacturing, distribution and service needs.

ERP for Medical Devices

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The Medical Device industry is closely related to digital health which involves merging of the genetics and digital revolutions with health, living and society. It permits you to track, manage, and improve wellness as well as improve efficiency in healthcare delivery. Some of the important elements of the medical device industry are:

  • Wireless devices
  • Hardware sensors
  • Microprocessors
  • The Internet
  • Mobile area networks
  • Genomics
  • Health information technology

Enterprise resource planning, (ERP), for medical devices is software that allows your organization to use an integrated applications system to manage your business and automate back office functions. Compliance with the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory bodies is a challenge in the business world. Fortunately, ERP systems bring together the tools needed to meet these challenges. Some of the benefits are:

  • More efficient workflows.
  • Visibility into processes for ongoing improvement.
  • Data re-entry prevention.
  • Improved data security.
  • Facilitation of collaboration activities.

Medical Device manufacturers need customer relationship management capabilities that support relationship sales strategies, mobile field sales, service support, inventory management, marketing, and accounts planning. Two software products available are:

  • Role-Based Workbenches which increase productivity up to 50 percent. They allow workflow to be configured for each user’s role.
  • A Mobile Metrics application that gives you access to your data from a tablet or smartphone anywhere, anytime.

Being successful in the Medical Device industry depends on your company’s ability to produce high quality products faster than your competition. ERP software solutions provide excellent financial management, product management and customer relations management.

For more information contact us.