What Happens A Year After Custom ERP Software Implementation?
That moment when you go live with your custom ERP software is a major milestone! But what happens once the dust settles and your team adapts to the humdrum of using this brand new software on a daily basis? But going live is not the end of the race. It is only the first step.
Tracking what happens in the initial 12 months of ERP software implementation is critical. It can show you the cracks in your system (if any) as well as paint a real picture of the value it brings. This is when your organization will transition from using ERP as a functional tool to an optimized powerhouse that unlocks new efficiencies and cuts costs.
It is an important time and it matters more than you think! So if you are unsure of what to expect, let us walk you through what happens after custom ERP software implementation. Particularly after the first 12-18 months.
Custom ERP Implementation: What to Expect at the 12-18 Month Mark
The first 12 months after custom ERP software implementation are rife with learning. Your team will be busy figuring out how the system works, what its core modules are and how they can fix the initial hiccups you’ve had without wasting precious time in the future. All in all, it is a very productive stage with a high learning curve.
But once it’s over and the 13th month begins, your team will start to gain increasing familiarity with the system. You will also now have access to a wealth of operational data that you can use to gather insights into how your organization's workflows and processes have improved since implementation. This is a great time to:
- Check your system’s performance against preset business KPIs
- Identify features that have been either misused or underused
- Incorporate end-user feedback to refine your ERP system
Performing a detailed ERP health-check at this stage should not be delayed. Delaying it can lead you to miss out on key ROI opportunities. It can also cause issues such as system stagnation, thus halting growth.
Post-Implementation Custom ERP System Pitfalls To Be Aware Of
No matter how well-planned and executed your ERP implementation strategy was, things can go off-course if you do not consistently review the system’s performance. Regular monitoring of your ERP system’s performance once it’s live can help you avoid issues such as:
- End-user frustration caused by fixable issues like inadequate training or unclear processes
- Manual workaround or inefficiencies in the workflow
- Misaligned custom features that do not contribute to overarching business goals
- Integration issues with freshly added tools and platforms
Checking in after 12-18 months of implementation will be instrumental in spotting and correcting any issues before they turn into difficult-to-break habits.
Custom ERP System: Critical Areas To Assess
By now you know the importance of conducting a post-implementation assessment of your custom ERP system. Especially after 12-18 months have passed. Here is a list of five pillars of ERP implementation you must assess to ensure you are on the right track:
Engagement & User Adoption
What is your team’s response to the system? Do they use it? Or do they ignore certain ERP modules and choose inefficient workarounds to get the job done? Track their engagement and adoption rates to know if your system is working.
Data Quality & Reporting
Find out if the data your custom ERP software generates is clean, accurate and actionable. If the reports are faulty or devoid of insights the leadership needs, your system might need fixing.
Process Efficiency
Check if your workflows are now more streamlined than they used to be before ERP kicked in. If you notice users creating workarounds, repetitive tasks, duplicate data or other bottlenecks, flag the issue concerned and work towards a resolution.
System Performance
If your ERP system is running smoothly and scaling with your business, there’s nothing to worry about. Check uptime, lags and integration slowdowns.
Business Alignment
Review your business’s performance and evolution since ERP was implemented. Growth is a sign of the system’s ability to support your business goals in a sustained manner.
Optimize Your Custom ERP System Continually
If you notice problems in specific domains, adopt strategies to overcome them. For example, if user adoption is a problem, re-train your team. Reconfigure your system so it syncs with your workflows. Use custom dashboards to elevate reporting.
Conclusion
While reviewing your ERP system’s performance post-implementation is critical, what is more important is investing in the right tool. Vestra Inet has 20 years of experience in building scalable custom ERP platforms that offer your business maximum value. Contact us to get ERP systems with continued support.
