I am seeking advice for when organizations look to move/migrate a core business ERP to another. For larger companies, what are some common issues faced (or expected) during this transition, common mistakes to be avoided, and general approaches that can be factored in?
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To avoid issues, it is good to focus on Quality Assurance practices. In the migration you should include testing of the new ERP system to identify and resolve issues before deployment.
Ensuring compatibility with various devices, browsers, and operating systems.
Integration with existing Systems & data migration are the common Issues while move/migrate a core business ERP to another. The following mistakes can still be avoided,
1)A rushed migration can lead to errors, so avoid rushing and involve all the stakeholders
2)Things can go wrong with communication and documentation, so be clear on those points upfront.
3)Allocate resources based on the complexity, else you cannot deliver as per plan
Data Migration Challenges:
Inaccurate or incomplete data migration.
Different data structures and formats.
Customization and Integration:
Difficulty transferring customizations.
Integration issues with existing systems.
User Resistance and Training:
Employee resistance to change.
Inadequate training.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Insufficient Planning:
Rushed migration without proper planning.
Neglecting Change Management:
Ignoring the human aspect of change.
Underestimating Data Migration Complexity:
Not assessing data migration complexity.
General Approaches:
Comprehensive Planning:
Detailed migration plan.
Change Management:
Robust strategy to address employee concerns.
Data Migration Strategy:
Thorough data cleansing and validation.
Customization and Integration Assessment:
Early evaluation of needs.
Training Programs:
Comprehensive user training.
Incremental Rollout:
Gradual implementation to minimize disruptions.
Post-Migration Support:
Plan for ongoing support.
Collaboration with Vendors:
Close collaboration for a smooth transition.
Regular Communication:
Keep stakeholders informed throughout.
Hello,
I do agree, not at all a daily routine but with a good project management activity it can be achieved.
The first question is about the platform: are you migrating hybrid ERP or both are Cloud-based?
As general guidelines, I do agree with:
Comprehensive Planning: Developing a detailed project plan is crucial for a successful ERP migration. This plan should include all stages of the migration, from data transfer to user training, and should be developed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. This approach helps ensure that all aspects of the migration are considered and that the project stays on track.
Stakeholder Engagement: Involving all relevant stakeholders from the beginning is essential to ensure that their needs are met and to foster buy-in. This includes employees from various departments, IT staff, and any third-party vendors who may be impacted by the migration.
Change Management: Implementing a robust change management process can help manage the transition to the new ERP system and support users. This process should include communication plans, training programs, and support mechanisms to help users adapt to the new system.
Risk Management: Identifying potential risks early and developing mitigation strategies is crucial for a successful ERP migration. This includes assessing the impact of the migration on business operations, identifying potential roadblocks, and developing contingency plans.
Phased Approach: A phased roll-out can help manage risk and ease the transition to the new ERP system. This approach involves rolling out the new system in stages, starting with a small group of users or departments and gradually expanding to the entire organization.
Testing and Quality Assurance: Conducting extensive testing is essential to ensure that the new ERP system functions correctly and meets all business needs. This includes testing the system's functionality, performance, and integration with other systems. By conducting thorough testing, you can identify and address any issues before the system goes live.
Training and Support: Offering comprehensive training programs is essential to ensure that users are confident and competent in using the new ERP system. This includes developing training materials, providing hands-on training, and offering ongoing support to users.
Post-Implementation Review: Conducting a review after the migration is essential to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement. This includes assessing the impact of the migration on business operations, identifying any issues that arose during the migration, and developing strategies to address them.
I suggest you to adopt a software for PMO, personally I use also for Project Planning, Microsoft DevOps.
1. Complete Data Migration is the biggest challenge.
2. Current users training and resilience to change is another.
3. Reliability of the new system can be questioned at times, as it will slowly adapt to your requirements.
Good option is to run both the systems parallelly unit you are 100% sure of the new system meets your requirements.