ERP implementation is the process of integrating ERP systems, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 into a business to improve their processes and productivity. There are various aspects of ERP implementation, including:

• Data migration
• System configuration
• Testing and problem solving
• User training and change management
• Go-live and deployment
• System training and ongoing support

Working with an implementation specialist is essential to align your ERP solution with your business goals properly. The process of implementation must be bespoke to your organisation and should involve:

• Careful project planning with clear objectives and timelines
Involvement from key stakeholders across departments
• Data migration with validation and accuracy checks
Ongoing support and performance monitoring
• Regular reviews to optimise usage and scalability

ERP implementation is a lengthy process, and it can sometimes take time to see the long-term benefits. Key indicators of success include employee engagement, such as regularly using the platform to solve business challenges and optimise processes.

Defining ERP implementation success also leads back to the core business goals set out during the initial process, including reduced manual time spent on tasks, greater data visibility and collaboration between departments.

At Essenkay, we have experience with ERP project recovery and have seen various recurring reasons why ERP implementations may have failed. These include:

• Inefficient data migration
• Lack of employee training
• Lack of customisation to business processes
• Missed deadlines and unexpected delays
• Budget overruns caused by inefficient financial analysis

If you are experiencing challenges with a past ERP implementation process, get in touch. 

Data migration can make or break your digital transformation project. With ERP implementation, a data migration strategy of either the Big Bang approach or phased migration approach is required from the very beginning.

Considerations for data migration when implementing Microsoft ERP include:

If you have a legacy system: 

• There will be a requirement to modify some of the data before it is transferred to ensure it is compatible.

• Avoid data overload: When businesses have large amounts of historical data, it's important to review datasets and consider alternative storage methods for the least important data.

• Have clear responsibilities: Specific teams are best placed to organise and extract data from legacy systems. For example, finance teams should handle financial data and warehouse teams should handle stock data. Work together to get the best out of your new system.

Our ERP implementation and ongoing support services can be offered as stand-alone services. However, we aim to provide bespoke solutions for each business and can absolutely combine the two.

Depending on the level of ongoing support you wish to invest in, the price will vary. Still, we strongly recommend some level of long-term support to optimise your business’s use of the technology as it grows and develops.