ERP System Integration: Today’s manufacturing companies are faced with the challenge of decentralizing information and streamlining processes across the enterprise. This is no small feat, but fortunately, there are many solutions that can help.
ERP system integration connects disparate software applications so they can exchange data. By connecting your company’s systems, you can ultimately save time and money while increasing visibility and operational efficiency. Whether you’re just beginning your search for an ERP system integration partner or need a little additional inspiration to get started, here are a few tips to get you moving in the right direction.
Define your goals | ERP System Integration
Like any project, ERP system integration requires a clear understanding of your goals before you begin. In fact, the goals you set at the beginning of the process will have a direct impact on your success. That’s because the first step towards an effective ERP system integration project is to select an appropriate integration partner.
More importantly, when it comes to ERP system integration, the best solution for your company may not be suitable for the company down the road. To avoid problems further down the line, it’s important to define your goals for the project. A few questions you may want to consider include: Why are you integrating your systems in the first place? What are you hoping to achieve as a result? What are your current systems and tools? What is your desired end state?
Find the right partners | ERP System Integration
While it’s important to select the right partner, it’s just as important to select the right partners for the various integration projects across your company. This may sound like a lot of work, but it can actually help you to avoid problems later down the road. Ideally, you should have one technology integrator for each of your core systems. It’s important to have a single point of contact at each firm and to clearly define the scope of each project.
This will help you to stay organized across multiple projects and provide a single source of truth for your entire organization. It will also help to avoid misunderstandings and potential conflict. It’s also important to consider your partner’s expertise and culture. Ideally, you should work with a firm that has experience working with your core system partners. When it comes to culture, it’s important to find a firm with a similar mindset.
You’ll want to work with a firm with a collaborative approach and one that places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. This will help you to stay focused on your goals and avoid any unnecessary roadblocks along the way.
Choose the right tools | ERP System Integration
As you begin to integrate your systems, you’ll want to select the appropriate tools to facilitate communication and data sharing. This will help to create a centralized source of truth that can be accessed across the organization. Ideally, you’ll want to select a single solution for all data types, including real-time data. This will help to reduce complexity and avoid additional overhead across your organization.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure the solution is easy to use and accessible from any device, wherever you are. This will help to increase adoption across the organization. When selecting a data exchange solution, it’s important to consider your current systems and desired end state. You’ll want to select a solution that is compatible with your current tools and one that can be easily integrated with any new systems you plan to implement. You’ll also want to select a solution that is flexible enough to handle changes and scalability as your organization continues to grow.
Be patient and stay flexible | ERP System Integration
While this may sound like a cliché, it’s important to remain patient and flexible during the ERP system integration process. It’s not uncommon for projects of this nature to take longer than expected. To avoid potential problems down the road, be sure to confirm your firm’s availability. You’ll want to select a firm with a proven track record and one that can offer you the dedicated resources you need to get the job done.
You’ll also want to confirm your firm’s availability and project timelines from the get-go to avoid potential issues down the road. It’s also important to keep an open mind during the process. You’ll want to avoid a “my way or the highway” mentality. Instead, you’ll want to remain flexible and open to suggestions, including those from your firm. This will help to foster a collaborative approach and allow you to create a truly customized solution that meets your specific needs.