Once you have chosen an ERP system and Implementer, it is important to plan out the implementation process. Create a timeline that outlines each step of the process, from initial setup to training and beyond. This will help you stay organized and ensure that the implementation runs smoothly.

While the implementer will initiate this plan, a good implementer will advise the client on the critical tasks and what the expectations will be on their staff and how this will deliver a successful project.

As part of the process of implementation, the training of staff is critical in reducing failure of staff when undertaking processes within the system.

An experienced implementer should be able to describe how training will be provided, what you are looking for is a complete training approach with a focus on delivering information which staff will understand and will easily apply when the system is live.

Too often inexperienced implementers under-deliver on training, this is either a lack of resources and therefore not enough time provided or the person delivering the training does not have the knowledge to deliver the training, leading to frustration of staff and additional issues for both staff and customers.

Before you go live with your ERP system, it is important to test it out. This will help you identify any potential issues and give you the chance to address them before they become a problem.

When you consider an implementer and their experience, ask them how they approach testing, while testing is the primary focus for you and your staff, there is an important and sometimes overlooked benefit to testing. That is the time spent by staff testing is also an opportunity to become familiar with the system prior to go live.

Ask the implementer what tools they will provide to assist in the testing process, how they will manage the testing with you and ensure that the testing is progressed at a optimal pace.

How the implementer and the client can determine success of testing and therefore understand the readiness of the business to go live.

An experienced implementer may have an idea of the cost; however, a project should not be established based on theory only and should be based on understanding the specific needs.

Setting expectations and being honest about the responsibilities of the client as well as the implementer is important and should be a model of communication that should continue through the project and beyond.

Once the ERP system is in place, you need to be assured that the implementer will be there with you to respond to issues there and then.

Often with inexperienced implementers once the system has been deployed the availability of the implementer becomes an issue as they are moved on to other projects.

Ask the implementer how they intend to provide ongoing support, ask them if the person implementing will be available to support within the first 3-4 months.

Ideally the person with the most knowledge of your business should be the person who is supporting you. That person should be who delivers the project.