day 4

Today’s lecture was about ERP implementation, the different methods that can be used to implement ERP but also the resources needed and the customization level. The 2 different methods of implementation of an ERP system (Big bang and phased) are quiet similar. Big bang implies a radical change for whole company at the same time. Phased approached implies a radical change but only for one department at the same time. From an individual point view, it is still a radical change (for big bang and phased approach). What can help to succeed in the implementation are the resources (time, people, training, space to work, more generally MONEY…) you grant to your project. Moreover the way you use is also an important factor. Finally as we saw, the type of organization, culture has also a huge importance. The big approach has some advantages for American companies because there are always at the top of the technology, so they are used to change and they are probably less afraid about it. About the phased approach, it suits better to conservative companies like in France, moreover it is allows the company to spread the costs. (Important for companies on the stock market)

Then we talked about outsourcing and in house staff used to implement such a project. For me a mix of both is important in order for consultants to transmit their knowledge to the in house workers so the knowledge is present in the company. Then the ratio of consultants compared to in house worker must be adapted to the type and culture of the organization.

Finally about the customization, it is something to adjust according to future updates, customers needs and staff needs. With major and small player small customization are possible easily and external help from them is not needed. Nevertheless for big customizations that require a big change in the code, it is quite difficult to do it without their help… Open source ERP have this possibility, so level of customization and its cost must taken into account when choosing an ERP.