Abstract
The aim of this study is to understand the definition of Enterprise Resource
Planning Systems (ERP), explore the most distinct phases and steps used during
the implementation life cycle and the different elements of project management.
All the fundamental concepts are evaluated during the various stages of the
implementation and there is a highlighted detailed discussion on the
implementation life cycle or the phases that a project needs to go through.
This content will concentrate on providing an overall understanding of ERP
systems, the benefits that a company can achieve by implementing an ERP
system, a clear understanding of the role and use of these systems and an
understanding of the various approaches to implement ERP systems.
Before the start of any implementation or engagement a clear understanding of
the approach or the order of the implementation steps needs to be understood.
This allows transparency and provides the entity, that is about to implement the
ERP system a clear framework description of the steps in the implementation
process towards a successful ERP implementation.
The methodology that would be under the magnifying glass is one from SAP
known as the Accelerated ASAP methodology. This methodology is usually
customized by all the different implementers or consulting houses. However
there would be specific reference made to the ASAP implementation
methodology steps. The successful implementation by using structured project
management methodologies and reporting has become increasingly important
and implementers always strive to refine and make changes to the standard
methodology to fit to the needs of the implementation at hand. These elements
where changes are made will be highlighted and discussed.
The assessment of the ERP system can be done from various perspectives and
at different stages both during and after the implementation has been completed.
There should be a clear understanding with regards to when the effectiveness of
the system is being judged. The assessment for this study will be conducted from
both the process owners as well as the consultants doing the actual
implementation during the different stages of the implementation and after the
implementation.
The focus will be on actual benefits and successes instead of costs involved with
the implementation of the ERP Systems. Benefits will be discussed from an
operational, strategic, infrastructure, managerial and organizational level. ERP
project implementations yield substantial benefits to the entities that adopt them
and these benefits will clearly be indicated.
Mr. Cor Scheepers