Choosing an ERP, as we’ve discussed before, is not an easy undertaking. Previously, a blog entitled “6 Mistakes to Avoid When Implementing an ERP” was published. We’ll now be looking at one of those mistakes in further depth. This mistake could very well be the most common mistake made when an ERP implementation occurs at a company, possibly because everyone is simply relieved that the implementation is completed successfully.
To recap: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a type of business management software that supports the basic internal processes of a company. It allows companies to use an integrated system to manage all the pieces of their operation. Product planning, development, manufacturing processes, inventory control, customer and vendor data, materials management, sales, and marketing are all examples of what an ERP system can control and streamline.
Mistake #6: Believing that the Go Live is the end of the process.
After months of hard work and lots of money spent, your ERP system has finally gone live. Congratulations, the hardest part is over!
The Go Live date, however, is not the end of your ERP journey. The average lifespan of an ERP system is 15-20 years; if you don’t routinely monitor, update, and troubleshoot, you could shorten that lifespan and waste all the time, effort, and funds that were put forth.
Once the ERP system has gone live, the project team should remain in place, although now it will have a different purpose: continually educating itself on the system, how it is working within your company, and what needs to be done to keep it working effectively.
In addition to identifying areas in which employees may need further training or making small system adjustments to ensure smooth, efficient service from your ERP system, the implementation team must also conduct preventive maintenance, including:
Virus scans
Scan your system for viruses often. Anything that appears malicious should be removed immediately so that it does not have a chance to spread beyond your server.
Security updates and/or software patches
Security updates and software patches are routinely published by your ERP system vendor and must be downloaded and installed promptly so that your server has the highest level of security possible.
System backups
Make sure that your server data is being backed up on a regular – read: frequent – basis.
“Low-tech” maintenance
Don’t forget the so called “low tech” preventive measures that need consideration, such as checking to make sure all the cords/wires are securely plugged in on your machines and into your walls.
If your team fails to take these measures, you are running the risk of 1) your software becoming obsolete and 2) your business running less efficiently. If you keep your implementation team intact and follow these simple preventive measures, however, your ERP system will last its entire lifespan.
