Sounds pretty straight forward right? Well it actually is, but I there are some things that you want to take into consideration when you turn your user base lose on your new system… Listen on and enjoy.

Rick

Specifically we cover Go Live Preflight issues related to:

• Team focus
• Consultant involvement
• Policy
• Process
• Training
• Customization
• Security
• Reporting and
• Documentation…

Whoa … a lot to go over in 20 minutes, but I have been doing this for a while now…. Episode 24 marks Implement ERP Fast's second anniversary!

This episode, like Episode 23 follows the format of my newly released guide - The Business Software Implementation Tracker to ensure thorough coverage of key issues  and focus at every Phase and Step of your implementation.

Be sure to check out the last couple of posts at my blog - ERP Roadmap for more information implementation structure.

Enjoy and until next time…

Rick Nielsen
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We also revisit Implement ERP Fast - implementation philosophy - A good refresher for someone that has not been around IEF for very long.

And - FINALLY - I have released the Business Software Implementation Tracker - a 500 page hands on system that will take you step by step through your implementation. Whether you are at the very beginning or in the middle of your project - whether  you are implementing ERP, CRM or some other large scale software system - the "Tracker" will provide you with the direction and the confidence you need to make it over the finish line.

Hope you enjoy Episode 23 and until next time…

This is Rick - wishing you implementation success.

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SO

In Episode 22 of Implement ERP Fast we conclude the 3 part series on ERP Process Integration.

In the feature segment of episode 22 we cover the last 4 steps of ERP process integration:

• Step 4 - Listing process scenarios.
• Step 5 - Integrating business processes.
• Step 6 - Test process integration.
• Step 7 - Document integrated processes.

After that I am going to give you a sneak preview of a new implementation approach that I am working on. Don't miss this…It could really give you an "implementation shot in the arm"!!!

If you are in the process of Justifying or Specifying a new or upgraded system, be sure to check out Purpose Driven ERP - The Definitive Guide to System Justification and Specification.

Until next time…

Also in this episode, I will revisit WHY I produce this podcast and my perspective on the BEST approach in implementing an ERP system.

I have added two new steps to the beginning of the integration process. These two steps are critical to the integration process and must be done first when integrating processes

Step 1 - Picking integration team members.- The key attributes required to be a member of the integration team.
Step 2 – Selecting business processes to be integrated - What processes should you implement in your ERP system? Which ones should you hold off on?

Process integration LIES at the HEART of implementation success. The last episode - 20, this episode 21 and the next one 22 will contain pointers and ideas that will be hard to find elsewhere, so be sure to tune in and check them out.

If you would like to join our online community, sign up for News Alerts, Tips and be notified directly when our next podcast is published go to our homepage at www.implementerpfast.com.

This subject is one that will challenge you greatly during an ERP implementation and most companies take more time on this step than on any other in the implementation process.

In this episode you will

• Be introduced to the 5 critical steps to properly develop and relate a process to your ERP system.
• Explore the first critical step.
• Gain an understanding of who should be on your process development team.

Receive a copy of the ERP Roadmap Visual Quick Guide by signing up for my newsletter / podcast update alert www.implementerpfast.com

In the News and Views segment …
We discuss the Aberdeen Group report on the ERP Market and a survey of what ERP implementation priorities are in 2008.  We will take a look at how these findings relate to your approach and your “entry point” in to where the “New ERP system” discussion might start…. Important stuff…

In the Feature Segment will discuss the ERP implementation Success
Strategy of Communication. Could you get any more basic than this?

I am sure that this conversation will stimulate some thought in to areas where you and your team might improve in

* Listening effectively
* Understanding and making sure that other know that you do!
* Focusing on the important things
* Attitude is everything…
* Problem Resolution
* Timing is everything!

Finally – I have just released an FREE on line eCourse – The ERP Made Simple – Introductory eCourse. You can sign up and take the course immediately.
* What is ERP?
* The History of ERP
* Learn how older business systems can PREVENT YOU from creating customer value.
* Discover the Key features of an ERP system that will automatically add VALUE to your organization.
* This course includes a free 15 page study guide.

• How to approach an implementation in thought and action.
• How Leadership relates to your ERP implementation in many different respects…
• What works, what doesn’t …

In the News and Views segment we discuss the economy, buying ERP, BI or Business Intelligence and why the price of high end business and enterprise system software might remain high.

I have released my first ERP Implementation Manual – Purpose Driven ERP - Justifying and Specifying the Purchase of YOUR ERP system…

I am providing you with the Visual Quick Guide to Justifying and Specifying Your ERP Purchase just for stopping by the Purpose Driven ERP site, as an overview and preview of this manual.

In the News and Views segment we will discuss how you can continue to buy Windows XP after July 08.

Then, I cover the ERP implementation process – step by step and then discuss a new way of looking at your implementation. This segment will be one that you will want to listen to more than once!

The ERP Roadmap Visual Quick Guide 2.0 has just been released. Receive it FREE by signing up for my newsletter on the right side of my homepage - go to www.implementerpfast.com

In the Feature Segment will discuss a common sense strategies to moving transaction records to your new ERP system… When to do it? We discuss the pros and the cons.

Then we step back and discuss ERP Data Migration one more time … When do you migrate data and how do you keep your migrated data up to date?

Enjoy and until next time… Rick

In the News and Views segment we will discuss Windows XP / Vista and Linux and Software as a Service (SaaS) as alternatives … XP will no longer be sold at the end of June 08…

Next we will discuss my recently released 200 page guide, Purpose Driven ERP Volume 1 – How to Justify and Specify the ERP system that is right for you…

In the Feature Segment will discuss Data Migration …

·       What to migrate…

·       What not to migrate…

·       Testing the data that you have migrated

·       And some tips that you won't be able to live without!

• Update on the release of my first Implement ERP FAST Guide - Volume # 1 - Are You READY for a New ERP System?… Sign up for my newsletter and get a 30+ page sample FREE!
• Some thoughts on ERP support forums - what are they good for…. ?

Then in the feature segment

• Who should do the installation?
• Some database and application configuration tips.
• And much more!

What is the BIG lie that most change pundits and authors perpetuate about change?

In this interview, Peter and I discuss the process and mechanics of change in the implementation of an ERP software system and much more!

Get the latest update on Rick's soon to be released Implement ERP Fast manual, Are You Ready for a New ERP System? This manual will be the first in a series guides and will cover how to properly Justify and Specify the ERP system that is right for you.

This episode features the first in a series of one on one interviews. This interview was conducted with a long time IT associate that now resides in Dublin Ireland. Seamus Diamond has been "around the block" in the implementation of a number of systems and I am sure that you will find his perspectives insightful.

So this Episode will include:

• News and Views - How to turn a faltering economy to your advantage.
• A special announcement about my first product release
• An interview with Seamus about ERP software and hardware system justification.

This episode goes long - about 25 minutes.

Be sure to check out my blog - ERP Roadmap.

• Justification
• Specification
• Sourcing
• Qualification
• Negotiation
• Hardware and Database requirements.

In the episode we will discuss

• Purchase Order - Making sure that your "T's" are crossed and "I's" are dotted…
• Financing aspects of the procurement process.

In addition to this we have included a special segment that shows you how the ERP Roadmap procurement process applies to ANY capital equipment technology purchase!

* Your ERP System hardware requirements. Get some early advice on what to look for and some specific recommendations on the hardware you will need to Go Live.

* How to protect your system from dirty power lines and bad weather.

* Then check out the overview of a Relational Database Management System and a who's who in the database world.

All this and MORE in this episode of Implement ERP Fast!

* The industry focus on Business Intelligence and Reporting and why you should consider your reporting options early on in the purchase and implementation of your system.

* In the feature segment, we cover all the bases in what to negotiate when purchasing your ERP system.

You don't want to miss this episode … Where is the big money? … Don't leave ANY left on the table!

* Who should do the negotiating and who are you up against?
* When to start negotiating and what to focus on.
* Some guidelines in negotiating your new ERP software system…and A MUST HAVE negotiation tip.

All this and more in this episode of Implement ERP Fast…

You have spent a great deal of time communicating your requirements to a short list of potential ERP Software suppliers. Now let's see:

* If they understand your requirements and…

* If their software can provide you with the functionality that your company needs and wants in a business software system.

In the News and Views segment of the episode … there is yet another software acquisition by SAP.

Be sure to check out my blog at www.erproadmap.com.

• Late breaking industry news…SAP acquires Business Objects (Crystal Reports). A detailed analysis is also available at ERP Roadmap.
• A quick review of the ERP software supplier qualification process.
• in the feature segment we will provide you with the tools needed to ensure that your short list of suppliers are familiar with your business operations and detail requirements related to your pending purchase of a new ERP software solution.

• An important development in ERP software design.

• A review of the 5 steps in the ERP Supplier Qualification process.

• Supplier Qualification - Step 2 - Explore the benefits of visiting the corporate offices of your short list of prospective ERP suppliers. Meeting executives, department heads and touring a facility can tell you a lot about a company.

• What is ERP?
• What makes one ERP system different from another?
• When is it time to make the move to a new enterprise system?
• Have you outgrown your existing system?
• What are the steps required to a successful enterprise software implementation? 

I will answer these questions and outline the ERP Roadmap, the 7 step process that will take you from system specification to go live.

I am at the Podcast and Portable Media Expo this week - If you are interested in podcasting, this conference is the place to be!

Be sure to check out my blog at www.erproadmap.com for even tips and guidance on the road to implementation!

Then we will discuss the ERP Salesperson, what you should expect from them, and what they should expect from you.

Check out the Podcast and Portable Media Expo if you are interested in becoming a podcaster.

ERP sourcing websites:

1. Manufacturing Business Technologies Software Finder.

2.  2020Software.com

3. Managing Automation

Conference Sourcing

If you want to go to a conference and meet a good number of ERP Suppliers in one place, the APICS International Conference is a good one to check out.

1. Getting sufficient buyoff from top management and …

2. Properly defining and specifying your software, hardware, process and system requriements.