Enterprise resource planning software implementation is a complex job and it involves greater risk of failure. Software implementation requires top management support and willingness to complete project in agreed time. Generally software implementation takes 3 months to 1-2 years time, it vary on the size of the company, number of sites, scope of the change (customization), number of modules and willingness of the customer to take ownership of the project.
The most important aspect of any ERP software implementation is that the organization who has purchased the ERP software takes ownership of the project. Implementing software is not an in-house job, it requires profession expert (Consultants) suggestions, effort and guidelines. To implement ERP software, organizations used to take consultation services from vendors or out side consulting services. These consultancy services include consultation, SRS (system requirement study) study, GAP analysis, process mapping, customization of product and long term support.
In consulting services, consultants used to map the software with existing business processes. They understand and identify the need of the business in detail and define the role of the users. Consultants will prepare a VED (vital, essential and desirable) analysis for the current business processes. In the first phase of software implementation they will suggest to finish all vital parts of the business processes only. After first phase of software implementation, they will workout the GAPs to fulfill customer’s essential and desirable (wish list) requirements. They will do prepare a roadmap for some customization to fulfill customer’s wish list.
For ERP system supports, customer can take AMC (annual maintenance charges). In AMC customer will get product updates, upgrades, new features and few man-month supports free of cost. AMC charges vary from vendor to vendor. It may have few % of total ERP cost or a fixed amount. AMC can be taken for product or services separately or both.
