Technical Planning
Here are the common requirements for ERP implementation typically outlined before initiating an ERP project. These points can vary depending on the organisation and industry:
Business Process Analysis
- Detailed documentation of current business processes.
- Identification of bottlenecks and inefficiencies in existing workflows.
- Understanding specific pain points that the ERP should address.
Functional Requirements Document Generation
- Core modules needed (e.g., Finance, Inventory, HR, Sales, CRM, Manufacturing, etc.).
- Industry-specific functionalities (e.g., compliance management, quality control).
- Integration with existing software (e.g., accounting tools, CRM, or supply chain systems).
- Support for multi-location, multi-currency, and multi-language operations.
Data Management Planning
- Migration of historical data to the ERP system.
- Data cleaning and validation before migration.
- Clear mapping of data fields from old systems to the ERP.
Customization Needs Planning
- Specific features or workflows unique to the client’s operations.
- Configurable dashboards and reports for role-based access.
- Support for custom approval workflows or automation rules.
User Access and Security Planning
- Role-based user access and permissions.
- Data security features, including encryption and secure logins.
- Audit trails for tracking changes in data and processes.
Implementation Timeline Planning
- Agreed-upon project milestones and deadlines.
- A phased implementation approach or "big bang" deployment.
- Buffer for testing, training, and fine-tuning the system.
Training and Change Management Planning
- Training sessions for end-users and administrators.
- Clear communication plan for addressing employee concerns.
- Documentation and user manuals tailored to the client’s processes.
Reporting and Analytics
- Predefined and customizable reports (e.g., financial statements, inventory status).
- Real-time dashboards for business intelligence.
- Advanced analytics capabilities (e.g., predictive analysis).
Integration Requirements
- Integration with third-party tools like payment gateways, e-commerce platforms, or IoT devices.
- APIs or middleware needed for seamless connectivity.
- Real-time synchronization of data across integrated systems.
Testing and Quality Assurance
- Functional testing of each module.
- Stress and performance testing for system stability.
- User acceptance testing (UAT) for validation.
Cloud vs. On-Premise Decision
- Whether the client prefers a cloud-based or on-premise ERP solution.
- Considerations for data residency, maintenance, and control.
- Backup and disaster recovery requirements.
Non Technical Planning
Here are the common requirements for ERP implementation typically outlined by clients before initiating an ERP project. These points can vary depending on the organisation and industry:
Budget Constraints
- Total budget for software licensing, implementation, training, and ongoing support.
- Breakdown of costs for third-party integrations or hardware upgrades.
- ROI expectations from the ERP system.
Scalability and Flexibility Planning
- Ability to scale as the business grows (e.g., adding users, locations, or modules).
- Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs or market conditions.
Vendor Support and Service Level Agreement (SLA)
- Clear expectations for vendor support during and after implementation.
- Defined SLA for issue resolution and system uptime.
- Ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
Regulatory Compliance
- Compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO, FDA, GMP).
- Support for tax regulations and local statutory requirements.
- Audit-readiness for government or industry inspections.
