Never underestimate the importance of design when upgrading or implementing supply chain systems. I find that design is often undervalued. We seem to blindly follow systems and business processes yet don't take the time to think through design. Purchasing and maintaining an ERP system is considered a big-ticket item [...]
Published in Project Times May 29, 2013 What company doesn't have at least several projects going at once to try to support essential objectives? In my 20+ years of experience as a global business consultant and operations executive, I've yet to see one! As projects are commonplace in organizations, [...]
I get "too many" calls to help resolve problems associated with system upgrades and/or new system implementations. How can some of these be avoided during the selection process? The good salesman - ERP software suppliers have to be some of the best salespeople I've seen. Even when you are [...]
Published in "Project Times" website, February, 2010 Click here for original article. As we are beginning to emerge from the recession, I've noticed that there has been an uptick in interest for ERP implementations. Of course, we are nowhere near the interest levels of pre-2000; however, businesses are beginning [...]
Published in "Project Times" website, December, 2010 Click here for original article. During the recession, many ERP (enterprise resource planning) system implementations have been put on hold. Now that we are emerging from the recession, companies are beginning to think about implementing – even if not a full implementation, [...]
How effective is your ERP selection and implementation process? Published in "The ACA Group" website, November, 2011 ERP system implementations fell off the grid during the recession; however, I've seen resurgence in the last year. Companies are thinking about investing again. However, although businesses are picking up, they are [...]
The multifaceted task of implementing a successful ERP system starts with selecting the “right” system and having a cohesive, adaptable strategy. As strange as it might sound, the software and its features is typically the least important ingredient to success. Instead, focus on... Just the critical few key requirements. [...]
As complicated as most companies seem to make it, the critical factors in software selection boil down to a select few: Understand your business - what are the critical functional requirements? Don't worry about everything required in every module to run your business. Instead, take a step back and [...]
In my conversations and discussions with clients, bankers, CPA's and business contacts, I have a different picture than is presented in the news and is implied in recent stock market performance. In my view, there is a stabilization; however, this "new normal" business environment is one characterized by lower [...]
Another way to succeed in today's new normal is with innovation and leveraging already-existing assets. As I thought about leveraging ERP systems for a speech I gave earlier this month, I thought a few tips and questions to ponder might be of value: Improve service: how can you utilize [...]
