A Systems Checkup
Early in the year is an appropriate time to perform a systems audit. Most clients could benefit from this at any time of the year as we often discover some significant gaps.
Early in the year is an appropriate time to perform a systems audit. Most clients could benefit from this at any time of the year as we often discover some significant gaps.
Lisa Anderson, President of LMA Consulting Group specializes in supply chain, ERP and S&OP was included as one of the finalists for the ERP Writer's Awards 2017.
80% of our clients only utilize 20% of their ERP system, and they are not alone. So, if this is common across typical companies, why do so many of them call to throw out their current system and find one that will resolve their challenges? It's a good question!
As an ERP expert, it is quite clear to me that even the best systems will fail miserably if they don't possess talent. Don't even bother to select and implement an ERP system if you don't have the "right" people on the bus. Start with executive support and continue on down through every position – everything is a team effort.
Lately, we've been called into several clients with ERP challenges that directly impact business growth and success. Do you desire profitable growth? If so, add ERP into your strategic discussions. Would you delegate a decision that could literally "make or break" your customer service, profit margins (or lack thereof) and ability to grow? I think not!
A holistic approach to organizational transformation is required, that integrates technology, people, and processes for sustainable growth.
ERP systems often fail to live up to their promise - even in the best of circumstances. It is a tough environment - software suppliers are consolidating, the smaller ones can disappear or get gobbled up in a moment's notice, good resources are hard to find, and the list goes on.
Taking a big picture view while simultaneously eyeing execution when implementing an ERP system will help companies not only achieve desired results, but do it quickly.
When faced with a challenging system implementation, take a step back and reassess instead of devoting more resources to a plan that may not work out.