Keepin up with day-to-day tasks while your small or midsized business implements a new ERP system is a challenge.
Staff at companies who have struggled with ERP implementations often say, “It’s hard to do our day job and be part of the implementation team.” They feel that they are unable to juggle the additional workload and education that comes with adopting a new system.
The value that an ERP system can bring to your business is too significant to pass up, however, so here are a few ways to manage your time as you implement your new ERP system.
Managing your dual roles as leader and ERP project manager
As a leader, you’ll be critical to the success of a systems implementation. To ensure you don’t lose focus of the necessary tasks of your core job, formally block out time for both your implementation role and day-to-day role. Try dedicating, for example, a three-hour block each morning to focus solely on the implementation; then, after lunch, you can focus on your routine daily tasks. Don’t forget to work in some flex time for unforeseen issues, such as a coworker who needs help, computer downtime, etc.
Once you establish your schedule, be diligent about sticking to it. It’s impossible to predict emergencies, of course, but hopefully the flex time you “scheduled” will be enough in such cases. Otherwise, being unfaithful to your schedule subconsciously signals to yourself – and your colleagues – that it isn’t important, and both the system implementation and your daily job will suffer from this lack of discipline.
Create two sets of goals and agendas for core business and ERP project
If you’re going to run your business on a dual track (system implementation and day-to-day operations), you need to stress the importance of each and enable your teams to accomplish tasks related to both. Without a specific plan, you’ll leave employees floundering, wondering where, when, and how to focus their energy for the day.
To prevent this, create two plans: a system implementation plan and a normal operations plan. Each plan should include documented goals, task lists, and due dates and should apply to everyone involved in executing each plan, from the president and executive team to managers and front-line staff.
Enlist outside help with the ERP implementation when possible
Because you and your team’s time will be stretched during systems implementation, find implementation tasks that are suitable for outsourcing and engage the relevant parties to do so. For example, data conversion is a time-consuming portion of an ERP implementation, so leverage a company that specializes in data importing to remove that task from your plate. If you choose the right ERP partner, not only will it save you time, it will likely be done faster and with fewer errors.
Choosing the right ERP partner to support your ERP solution
Your ERP partner will be crucial to help you manage your time and team for optimal results in your ERP implementation.
Just as importantly, your partner will support you afterward to make sure you realize maximum return on your investment.
Stellar One is an Acumatica Gold-Certified Partner with the highest levels of expertise to support your team.
We also offer an industry first: Free Implementation with no cost and no obligation.
See if our Free Implementation is the right fit for your business.