ERP

The ERP implementation cycle is characterized by complexity, uncertainty and a long time-scale. It is about people and issues that affect the business — it is a multi-disciplinary effort.

This book will provide you with the practical information you will need in relation to the many issues and events within the implementation cycle. After reading this book you will be fully equipped and alerted to what is involved in an ERP implementation.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) can be described as an integrated enterprise-wide information system. As well as handling many of the transactions found within a business, it has the potential for meeting many of the information requirements of busy personnel. If used in the right hands, it may provide the business with a competitive edge.

Much can go wrong during implementation since there are many issues to deal with. From the content of this book you will gain an understanding of what can go wrong — you will be prepared in advance, and will be equipped to take preventive steps to smooth the progress of the implementation.

This book:

• covers the multidisciplinary subject of ERP implementation
• looks at a range of relevant topics including ERP market-place development, vendor selection, project management, process design and post GoLive improvements.
• reveals a range of issues which an implementer should be alert to right at the outset before the go-ahead is given to proceed with an implementation
• contains a wealth of detail about the ERP implementation cycle
• features a unique way of thinking about your own implementation
• features material on vendor selection, project management, training, business process re-engineering (BPR) and continuous improvement

1. Introduction
• 1.1 Using This Book
2. Historical Perspective
• 2.1 Executive Information Systems (EIS), Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Value
• 2.2 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
• 2.3 Emergence of e-Commerce
• 2.4 Supply Chain Planning (SCP)
• 2.5 Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• 2.6 Convergence
3. The Present Generation
• 3.1 ERP or Enterprise Application Software
• 3.2 Features of ERP Software
• 3.2.1 Implementation Phase
• 3.2.2 On-Line Phase
• 3.2.3 Adaption Phase
• 3.3 Application Functionality
4. The Next Generation
5. Marketplace Dynamics
• 5.1 An Appreciation of the ERP Marketplace as a Turbulent Global Pool of Software Providers
• 5.2 Software Providers
• 5.3 VARs, Business Partners, Consultants
• 5.4 Buyer Beware'
6. Initial Need
• 6.1 Why
• 6.2 Cost
• 6.3 Justification – Cost Benefits
7. Requirements Definition
• 7.1 Getting Started
• 7.2 How to Meet These requirements
8. Vendor Selection
• 8.1 Decide How to Select a Vendor
• 8.2 The Short-List Route
• 8.2.1 Stage1: Finding Out Who Is Out There (Generating the First List)
• 8.2.2 Stage 2: Potential Vendors
• 8.2.3 Stage 3: Reduce the Short-List to Those Who Are Deemed Most Suitable
• 8.2.4 Stage 4: The Final Selection
9. 'Closing the Deal'
• 9.1 Contract Negotiation
• 9.2 Reflection
10. Introduction to Implementation
• 10.1 Lessons from History
11. Implementation Methodology
• 11.1 The General Approach
• 11.2 Management of the Project
• 11.2.1 Otganization
• 11.2.2 Scope
• 11.2.3 The Project Plan
• 11.2.4 Budget
• 11.2.5 Problem Resolution
• 11.2.6 Risk Assessment
• 11.2.7 Performance
• 11.2.8 Vendor Management
• 11.3 System Issues
• 11.4 Training and the Need for a Training Strategy
• 11.4.1 Defining Learning Objectives
• 11.4.2 Determine Content
• 11.4.3 Plan
• 11.4.4 Assess
• 11.4.5 Review
• 11.4.6 Cost/Budget
12. Implementation
• 12.1 Implementation of the Training Strategy – Phase 1
• 12.1.1 Content – Understand Application Functionality
• 12.1.2 Planning
• 12.2 Define Processes
• 12.2.1 A Theoretical Framework
• 12.2.2 Collage'
• 12.2.3 Understand What Is Being Done Now
• 12.2.4 Quick Fixes
• 12.2.5 Business Process Re-Engineering
• 12.3 Prototyping
• 12.3.1 The Issues List
• 12.3.2 Software Modifications – Compromise Between Process and Software Functionality
• 12.3.3 Usability
• 12.4 Pilot
• 12.4.1 Preparation
• 12.4.2 Simulation
• 12.4.3 Follow-Up
• 12.5 Responsibilities
• 12.6 Documentation
• 12.6.1 Procedures and Work Instructions
• 12.6.2 Job Descriptions
• 12.6.3 Reports
• 12.6.4 Stationery
• 12.7 Implementation of the Straining Strategy – Phase 2
• 12.7.1 The Programme
• 12.7.2 Plan
• 12.7.3 Deliver and Assess
• 12.7.4 Review
• 12.8 Data Set-Up
• 12.8.1 Migration of Data
• 12.9 Last Minute Check
13. GoLive/Review
• 13.1 Problems and Problem Resolution
• 13.1 The User Help-Desk
• 13.2 The First Month End
• 13.2 Review
14. On-Going
• 14.1 Continuous Improvement
• 14.1.1 The Cultural Dimension
• 14.1.2 Organizational Learning and the Learning Organization
• 14.2 Upgrading versus New Software
15. Finale

This must be read! An excellent as well as very well written book from an expert in the field that manages to convey information.

Recommended reading.