Success is not a certainty when it comes to enterprise resource planning implementation. In fact, approximately 28 percent of the organizations that pursued ERP implementation last year oversaw projects that ended in complete failure, according to research from Panorama Consulting Solutions.

Having said that, manufacturing firms can avoid this costly outcome by laying the groundwork for success through these four tried-and-true ERP adoption strategies:

1. Collect strong system requirements
Platform requirement collection is an essential component of the implementation process. Here, information technology specialists and other project stakeholders review operational workflows to determine salient system components.

Ideally, manufacturers engaged in this activity should not only consider existing administrative and shop floor practices but also take the opportunity to consider how new ERP technology might support process improvements, CIO reported.

Businesses that take this approach and select software that can grow with the organization often see the most return on investment – recipe for long-term success.

2. Pinpoint specialized solutions
Manufacturing firms have specialized operational needs that many one-size-fits-all ERP providers cannot meet. This is why implementation teams must seek out vendors that can not only deliver system functionalities made for the manufacturing space, but also understand how to effectively integrate new software into shop floor environments, according to CIO.

Firms that ignore this variable tend to put into place ill-fitting ERP software that reduces output and weighs down the bottom line.

3. Cultivate support in the C-suite
While on-the-ground ERP implementation teams have the biggest impact on project success, executives also play an important part. These business leaders can oil the skids for ERP adoption, leveraging their financial authority and organizational clout to help IT staff and project stakeholders from other departments overcome various internal obstacles, Manufacturing.net reported.

This assistance is critical for the vast majority of manufacturing firms experience some pushback during ERP installation. However, those that focus on engaging the C-suite often gain access to top-down solutions to such issues.

4. Train employees to manage change
ERP adoption can transform workplace culture, forcing employees at all levels of the operation to adjust how they approach their everyday tasks. While some professionals take this change in stride, others resist in an attempt to hang on to familiar workflows.

ERP implementation teams must account for both scenarios and roll out exhaustive training programs that not only help staff adjust to new operating methods but also provide guidance on system best practices, according to Deloitte.

By emphasizing change management through instruction, manufacturing firms can reduce internal resistance and get the most out of their ERP technology.

Manufacturers that leverage these ERP implementation best practices can set themselves up for sustainable success.

Accent Software can help manufacturing firms looking to transform their operations and find success via reliable ERP technology. As a certified Microsoft Business Solutions partner, we provide vendor-vetted Microsoft Dynamics NAV implementation services, which allow businesses in the manufacturing space to put into place best-in-class ERP software designed to facilitate organizational growth.

Connect with us today to learn more about our products and services.