Countless organizations adopt enterprise resource planning technology annually. However, not all adopters succeed in meeting their original project goals.

In fact, only 8 percent of the businesses that implemented ERP platforms in 2017 achieved between 81 and 100 percent of the potential improvements expected to materialize in the wake of adoption, according to insights from Panorama Consulting Solutions.

While more than 90 percent managed to see between 31 and 80 percent of the benefits they projected, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars – or perhaps millions – on software that does one-third of what is supposed to do is not the most effective strategy, especially for manufacturing firms already navigating tight margins.

However, potential ERP adopters are not doomed to see the diminished results of their predecessors. By embracing the following implementation best practices, manufacturing firms can achieve optimal benefits realization and experience the production and financial gains:

Develop realistic implementation plans

ERP solutions can facilitate transformation. However, such success hinges on implementation plan design, according to Panorama Consulting Solutions. Adopters in the manufacturing space must develop and deploy realistic strategies with actionable timelines as such initiatives allow implementation teams to thoroughly vet software vendors, train end users and complete myriad other activities that lay the groundwork for ERP success.

Transparent financial forecasting

With all the potential locked inside ERP technology, it is easy for organizations to overestimate its impact and publish aggressive cost-benefit analysis. This kind of over-the-top fiscal strategizing can result in less-than-ideal ERP-related financial outcomes, ZDNet reported.

This is why it is essential for manufacturers implementing ERPs to assign pragmatic budget specialists to implementation teams – individuals who will offer up sensible projections that support benefits realization.

Embrace project management best practices

ERP implementations involve dozens of moving parts and normally unfold over a number of months. Amidst all this activity, major problems that directly affect benefits realization can easily materialize. Many of these errors can go unnoticed due to general disorganization.

Manufacturers can combat such issues by adhering to project management best practices, according to IT Tool Box. These strategies reduce the likelihood of discombobulation and, in the process, facilitate benefits realization.

Here at Accent Software, we help manufacturing firms and other businesses implement ERP technology designed to support operational change. As a certified Microsoft Business Solutions partner, Accent provides vendor-vetted Microsoft Dynamics NAV implementation services, which allow organizations to put into place best-in-class ERP software and see benefits realization.

Connect with us today to learn more about our offerings.