Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are powerful tools, but let’s be honest, implementing one can be challenging. Choosing among the best ERP systems, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, is relatively straightforward, considering the needs and capacity of your business. However, finding a suitable ERP implementation partner is quite a challenge. But with many potential partners out there, how do you pick the perfect one? More than 60% of ERP projects fail in the implementation process due to poor management or extended implementation cycles.
The foundation for a robust system such as ERP is laid by a successful implementation, which begins with selecting the right implementation partner for your company. Without the proper guidance and support, establishing an ERP system may cause the business to suffer by taking longer to accomplish the same tasks. This blog explores seven essential qualities to look for in a partner, helping you assemble your dream team and guarantee a successful ERP implementation.
Why do you need an ERP Implementation Partner?
ERP implementation is a time-consuming and expensive investment bound to touch every nook and corner of your company. Many in-house IT teams lack the skill to execute an unfamiliar ERP, and there’s also a reasonable risk that you won’t have enough capacity to deploy the chosen ERP. An implementation partner could consult with your business to identify your needs and set up a cost-effective and high-functioning ERP setup.
However, for a successful implementation, you’ll need a product-savvy implementation partner who can collaborate with your team to understand the requirements and provide the best solution possible. How can you identify the best implementation partner for your company?
Here are some aspects to consider before choosing an ERP implementation partner.
Seven Key Considerations While Choosing an ERP Implementation Partner
- Technical Expertise
Your ERP implementation partner should have in-depth knowledge of the ERP software. Having complete knowledge about the ERP ensures that your implementation partner can comprehend how the ERP solution will integrate with your existing system and business processes. How can you know whether your ERP implementation partner has in-depth knowledge about the ERP? Their certifications, case studies, awards, recommendations, and reviews will highlight their skills and abilities in the ERP industry.
- Industry Experience
As a company planning to deploy an ERP system, you must know if your ERP implementation partner has previous implementation experience within similar industries. Having an implementation partner who understands your industry ensures ERP implementation is appropriately done to accommodate your business’ growth. Check if your partner has much experience in your industry or a related industry while also looking for a good track record of delivering solutions on time and within budget.
- Customization Capabilities
The ERP vendor can easily accommodate minor changes to the ERP system, but your partner’s customization capabilities are essential if you require extensive customization to fit your business. Inquire about the customizations your ERP implementation partner has carried out for their clientele.
- Collaboration
For success, there has to be open and effective communication between your team and the ERP implementation partner throughout the deployment. Check if your partner can improve user adoption, impart training to the end-users, and train your employees. Choosing a partner who can promptly answer your queries and deliver dependable support would be best.
- Innovative Offerings
Look for an ERP implementation partner who can provide cutting-edge solutions. An ERP system gives visibility across the entire business, enabling better decisions and work efficiency. Check if your implementation partner can bring any innovations in their implementation offerings.
- Methodology
You should inquire your ERP implementation partner about their methodology. An efficient ERP implementation partner should have a proven method to ensure the entire process is smooth and efficient. The faster you get up and running, the sooner you’ll see a return on your investment with the ERP system. So, inquire about your partner’s implementation strategy to ensure that the time and costs do not exceed the estimate.
- Post-Implementation Support
After you go live with your new ERP system, you need to ensure your system works as expected to help you achieve your goals. After ERP becomes the backbone of your business, how will you handle any issues? That is why you need to know if your ERP implementation partner can identify and address any new challenges or provide additional training if necessary to keep the ERP running efficiently.
LevelShift and Rapid Implementation
Hiring the right partner with an excellent implementation strategy will help your company adopt a high-performing ERP software system. If you have identified Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP as the right fit for your business and are looking for an ERP implementation partner, reach out to our experts.
At LevelShift, we have precisely crafted our Rapid Implementation Approach to ensure your ERP implementation success.
What is Rapid Implementation?
Rapid Implementation is a value offering by LevelShift to provide a quick and cost-effective solution to your business and help you get started with critical business functionalities.
Here is what makes the offering better than any other implementation methodology:
- Get your ERP implementation done within 5-6 months.
- Reduce implementation time and cost by more than 50%.
- Enable faster return on investments.
- Quickly automate important business processes.
- Apply complex customizations using a best-in-class enterprise solution.
- Get a Zero Defect Delivery with our best practices from years of experience.
If you would like to explore more about Rapid Implementation for Dynamics 365 ERP, talk to us!
