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What is Manufacturing ERP Implementation: When, Why and How Implementation Works ?

A methodical manufacturing ERP implementation starts from the preliminary analysis of ERP readiness audit for the client. What is discussed here is the key issue concerning the implementation methodology. The current business performance of the client, forthcoming strategic plans, investment potentials, culture and general human resource characteristics, expectations, and objective settlings for ERP should included in this analysis. Once the study report is submitted based on the above analysis, the client has to accept the recommendations emphasized on it.

Keeping with the current trend, it will be very risky from the client side to reject ERP based on poor readiness audit results. To sustain competitiveness ERP cannot be substituted by fragmented legacy systems. The only way out is the proper reengineering programme for ERP adoption. Though may seem critical, this is the main focus of the methodology.

A blue print should be drawn with details of migration and other things and scientific analysis of ‘to be adoption’ and its phase-execution to be discussed thoroughly. The activities for the overall implementation programme should be planned with time units. The consulting firms overlook the time required for data collection and policy decisions on masters settings. ERP master setting can be regarded as the heart of ERP implementation.

Sufficient time must be allocated to identify, clarify, validate and simulate the exact information about all the master level entries. In India, such exercise is the only opportunity for the companies to do for their life time better performance. It will not be false to say that an organization of size more than 1000 crores should take at least three months to set Item Master. No consulting company or the client will agree on such figures in today’s jet age. The idea is to sell ERP quickly and to start utilizing it.

One more important element is the parallel user training and knowledge upgrading. The best practice what eresource recommend is to take users to the actual ERP implemented sites to show them the process flow. What you see is the best training you never thought of, especially when you have no idea or clue for such concepts.

What is to be kept in mind while going live is, the time to be planned properly and the organization should be equipped with abilities to face whatever shortcomings they may encounter with. There are ideal implementation methodologies, which not only will keep the customer satisfied, but also will boost the confidence of the users. One of the methods used is mentioned here for readers’ reference.

The method was applied in one of the manufacturing companies. It was recommended ten transactions every day to be carried out in ERP without any entry in legacy system. Then it generated all the documents from ERP as supporting papers for the manual entries and reports. The rest of the entries in a day used to be carried as manual entries in the legacy system. Soon users understood ERP is better on all the grounds. This formula worked wonderfully well for generating confidence and reduction in resistance in users’ mind.

Another question is, should ERP implementation be carried out module wise or all the modules at one go? The answers to these questions are case specific. It will be difficult for to generalize the theory for it. Mostly decision on this depends on the readiness audit result, available strength of consulting human power – both internal and external – relevance of ERP at various sites, timeframe, and the budget. But it is highly recommend that the organization should go for the implementation of all the modules at one site, and then go for roll out strategy for all sites.

Finally, there is a wrong concept about the BPR and ERP system. The main doubt persist in the mind of many decision makers is whether the organization should first carry out BPR and then implement ERP, or vice versa. Actually, one has to understand that the physical form of the BPR concept is the ERP system. In some organizations where BPR is carried out first then ERP was implemented. In all these places, the BPR document was thrown into dustbin and new ‘to be document’ was prepared suitable to ERP.

Such cases clearly show that BPR benefits as such don’t exist without ERP reference, and ERP just cannot be carried out without proper BPR. What we assume is that the BPR must be the outgrowth of ERP implementation and, therefore, it should be carried out during implementation only. But the major element of BPR is the change in the mindset, which can be initiated before ERP adoption, may be during the preliminary analysis by way of user training. The best thing to do in these situations is to carry ‘noiseless BRP’ which triggers the implementation smoothly.

Also Read – ERP for packaging industry

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Quick implementation, quick business and quick RoI

Quick ERP Implementation, Quick Business and Quick ROI

ERP software like the eresource can bring all the difference to a business organization with the integration of internal and external management information. The award winning leading Web-based eresource ERP solution that has been developed in Indian soil allows you to maximize efficiency across departments and identify key areas for improvement producing real cost savings.

Not only just choosing the right ERP but also the effective implementation contributes to the successful functioning of the ERP. What also to be considered is the time taken to implement. Everyone knows time is precious. An ERP implementation must be completed within stipulated time. Apart from the timely implementation, employee training is also essential for the successful functioning of any ERP software.

Without proper training of employees the organizations won’t succeed in enjoying the full advantage of the new systems and may even feel uncomfortable using them. Make it sure that your employees are trained thoroughly during and after implementation as well as a periodical training method must be adopted to ensure everyone is getting used to the system without facing hardship.

eresource ERP once implemented, brings greater efficiency in all the business operations. Having said that what is to be remembered is that, there may be a certain amount of data migration and conversion will inevitably be involved. This may cause a slight disruption of business operations including data migration and employee training, during the implementation of the ERP system. As eresource ERP implementation is efficient and adopting the time saving exercise, the disruption time is going to be negligible.

To get the most out of eresource ERP software, it has been integrated with all the modules that are required for every verticals in a systematic way. Any additional facilities required by companies could be integrated as per the requirement. Web-based ERP system is scalable. Companies that have implement only limited modules could be upgraded with our full fledged ERP system in a quick session.

Over the years many companies that have evaluated many ERP tools to run their business been finally settled with eresource ERP after finding that it only gives them value for money but also brings a substantial ROI soon. A quick ERP implementation that makes a quick business with a quick ROI, that’s eresource.

Also Read – ERP for packaging industry

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Indian SME’s take eresource ERP in their side

ERP Software for SMEs

The first and foremost reason being that it has been designed by an Indian software solution company exclusively for the Indian manufacturing industry, especially the Small and Medium scale Enterprises. Needless to say that the contribution made by the SME’s in the Indian manufacturing industry incomparable.

What is more appreciable is that all these years they were contributing largely into the growth of Indian industry with their limited resources and infrastructure facilities. Growth of any industry depends on what basic environment they work with. An advanced work environment will not only boost morale of their employees but also the outcome will be reflected in the quality of their product.

Also Read – ERP for Electronics Industry

eresource ERP Software for SMEs (Small and Mid-size Enterprises)

There was a time when implementation of ERP solution was a long lost dream for many of the SME’s in India. They never imaged implementation of ERP could be within their reach in near future. But introduction of an affordable low-cost ERP by eresource Infotech was a dream comes true for the Indian SME’s. The reason why we have come out with this kind of a solution is that if Indian SME’s could perform tremendously with the limited resources they have, they can also bring miracles in the industry if they are armed with right working environment. We were sure that the implementation eresource ERP will definitely change the way they work and also it can make the impact on their production sector, in both quality and quantity wise.

Another matter of success with eresource ERP is its quick implementation. The ERP system should be implemented quickly, efficiently, on time and on budget and with no interruption to the business. As far as Indian SME’s are concerned time factor is very important and fully understanding this scenario eresource ERP gives maximum priority in implementation process.

Over and above, eresource Infotech serves all our ERP customers directly, unlike some ERP vendors who have a strategy to serve the large client directly whilst, directing SME’s to their re-sellers or consultants. Though our client list too include many large enterprises, when it comes to business we are impartial. That’s our policy practice, indeed.

Also Read – Best ERP for Automotive industry

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ERP software training holds the key

ERP Software Training it was discussed earlier how an ERP implementation could turn success or failure depend upon the user. There are different views expressed by Indian users towards ERP, but mostly it is based on organizational culture. The word ‘culture’ is used here to connote the average IT acquaintance of the overall users.

In India, normally four different cultural transformations prevailed during ERP implementation.

  • From no system to ERP system
  • From manual system to ERP system
  • From computerized system to ERP system
  • From ERP system to ERP system

In the normal circumstances at least two scenarios do exist in most of the Indian companies and sometimes all the four types exist in one organization itself. As the characteristics of the users differ in all the four cases the situation must be managed accordingly.

An assessment of ERP by the users is that ERP is a ‘job killer’; hence attempts are made to kill ERP first. Most of the users of this school of thought found successful in their mission but unsuccessful in retaining their job. ERP has nothing to do with the downsizing of employment, but it may possibility recommend redeployment of people in appropriate areas. We have to agree on certain issues like so many years the organization had built a mentality of not owning responsibility in the employees, which immediately cannot be changed within a year or so.

ERP expects boundary-less flat organization structure where every employee is a decision maker and not a mere follower. Secondly, the decision-making must be scientific than based on ‘gut feel’. Thirdly, ERP assumes that the user has an in-depth knowledge of the process he is associated with. He has to work in a team as a key resource element. The objective of the user is to pass maximum value to the customer than to create his own convenience. The user must be analytical in his thinking and be able to use information generated through data iterations for more effective and informed decisions.

eresource ERP plays successfully when it comes to the training part and our hardcore training session makes the user fully equipped with handling of the system independently. The solution provider must pay attention while providing training to the user in the right manner. To become a good user, one has to get trained and trained well, and later self trained. But what is the disappointing factor is, unlike eresource ERP, most of the ERP training in India is more of software training rather than going deeply into the functionality and technicality of the ERP system. Normally the user is shown various screens of the ERP system and taught how to enter what he was doing previously.

Actually the trainer must explain to the user why he should enter there, what are the repercussions of his entries in other modules, how to use the best out of multiple settings, why a particular setting is made like that, etc. In fact, the reality that every entry is the financial entry and ultimately gets posted into General Ledger and posted in turn into Profit & Loss Account or Balance Sheet is never realized by the user during training or even after ERP implementation. This feel of responsibility is extremely essential for the user to become a mature ERP user.

To enhance the interest of users Indian companies must make a point of user training, focusing on ERP software functionalities and not merely on tools for ERP. Ideally, the training program should be designed to cater to individual needs and hence carefully planned. Secondly, the empowerment has to be planned slowly but positively over a period. This should include removing ridiculous and conflicting targets, thus helping the users to participate in making ERP a success.

Also Read – Benefits of ERP in Construction Industry

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Making ERP success: Identifying the right elements

Ways to Ensure ERP success:

In our last article we have discussed what makes a business grow. It was explained in details the basic qualities, applications and dedicated efforts are necessary to succeed in a business field. What we would like emphasis in coming series of articles are that just implementing ERP solution won’t make your business grow. To make ERP implementation sensible, we have to consider some other elements along with its focusing styles and then formulate the overall plan of actions. Let us now get to know what the important elements of ERP are and how can ERP be used in a rightful manner that will contribute largely into the growth of an organization. There are five important elements that have been identified and these are analyzed in details in the following articles.

The Client: The first and foremost element

The client is, who suggests focusing on the organization’s main line of business. As ERP implementation is more of business strategy than IT strategy, one has to analyze the key business driver’s specific to the industry and also for the company. It is customary to redefine the business processes with proper synchronization of these drivers along with improved customer interactions. The term ‘customer ‘ includes internal as well as external. The organization must plan for leaving traditional functional set-ups and re-configuring its resources across pull type process set-ups where every transaction has specified supplier, customer, and the activities known in all aspects.

What is happening in most of the Indian companies is that even after adopting ERP, the organization continues with traditional functional style of departmentalization. This is mainly because of the absence of customer driven strategic plan or its incomplete erp implementation. In such set-ups or typically in make-to-stock environment, we find the traditional atmosphere of rivalry between various functional departments. For example, Marketing is the main ‘culprit’ for the production planning inefficiencies because of the dynamic, non-standard requirements which do not make sense.

Also Read – Eresource plays big role in global ERP market

Similarly, production planning department is regarded as the ‘worst’ ever planner by the purchase department. The accounts department is the common enemy of all. Such culture is the outgrowth of the multi-hierarchy organization structure in which cohesive and common language for business performance is missing. The organization is operating with fragmented departmental optimum results and no orientation is observed for the integrated business strategies. ERP completely fails to address such environment the underlying reason being misunderstanding and lack of coordination between different departments. ERP cannot ‘fulfill’ the requirements of these users.

For example, a sudden change in released marketing plan without consent of planning and purchase will create complete nervousness in the organization. Also, the targets given to purchase will conflict with production and maintenance targets. Such local optimum objectives lead to overall fragmentation and under utilization of organizational resources.

ERP never supports these practices and the corresponding deviation between the Sucessfull ERP software concept and the organization practice will make ERP a costlier affair for the organization. If the client is not able to switch over to lean products and still wishes to eliminate these problems, then S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning – will discussed in details later) must be followed sincerely. It is the only way out for the Indian companies to improve their existing ERP performance.

A few organizations already started this, but it should become a general feature across all sectors. The main idea of SOP is to collaborate internally and find out workable and naturally optimistic plans for particular planning horizons. Participating regularly in such meetings will boost the morale of participants for driving ERP towards success. An important point to be noted here is that this recommendation is applicable to each and every industrial sector including manufacturing and service.

Also Read – Major benefits of ERP in production planning

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What makes your business grow?

Indian currency this is the one question many businessmen ask themselves. What makes the business grow? We have the answer. It is the Planning. Planning makes a business grow and yield good profit. You may think it is simple. But is it? No. Do you want to find out why it is not simple? For a good planning in business you need to get proper guidance. Are you getting proper guidance or you being misguided?

Let us begin from the beginning.

It is said that, well begun is half done. This punch line best suited as far as a business enterprise is concerned.

In today’s hyper competitive markets, small and midsize companies are faced with ever-growing challenges and they could overcome these challenges if only they are fully prepared. Business enterprises must be occupied with the infrastructure, whether it is in the form of man power strength or the software system, which could streamline and handle the workload successfully and help deliver the result in a desired manner.

Success of a business lies in the faith their customers keep with them. To gain the customers’ faith, organizations must fulfill their commitment. Is your organization able to keep the commitment? If not, why? You must have searched for the reasons many a time without getting an answer.

Also Read – Manufacturing ERP Software

In spite of having dedicated personnel who are ready to carry out orders successfully and enough man power strength to bring out required product from the factory, most of the time you have failed to achieve the desired result. You have failed to deliver goods to your customers as per the commitment made. What went wrong when everything seems going right? We can say nothing went wrong. But you failed in your planning or things weren’t turned out as you and your personnel anticipated. Production department need the raw material to produce the product. You need to provide the raw material. Have you made sure your production department had enough stock in their hand? Have you made arrangement of these materials with your delivery sources? No. Isn’t?

And because of the some human error you failed to deliver the goods and you could not keep the promise made to your customers. Will these customers approach you again for their requirements? Can your business survive if the customers don’t come back?

But you could have avoided this entire scenario if you had implemented eresource ERP in your organization. eresource ERP identifies the requirement of production in advance, from the raw material requirement, stock available, stock to be ordered, delivery time, production details, man power required, time required for production and all that need to bring out the product on time on a required manner and also it intimates the concerned departments though email alerts. It is just a small example of how eresource ERP could contribute to your business function.

eresource ERP, a reliable and affordable ERP solution from eresource Infotech, identifies and supports every function of an organization including its branches, departments and its sub-sections. What is more exciting about eresource ERP is, it not only addresses all your day to day business challenges, you will also get a healthy return on your investment quickly and faster than you probably thought.

Also Read – ERP Software for Project Industry

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eresource ERP implementation and Return on Investment

ERP implementation and ROI it is not only the successful implementation of ERP is the prime objective of eresource project management team, but also to help achieve a return on investment (ROI) in the shortest possible time. Return on investment does not just imply in terms of financial gain. It can be in terms of the growth in productivity, efficiency, or in terms of overall improvement in the performance of the company or even to the extent of better transparency in the operations being carried out by the firm and of course, the satisfaction of the users.

eresource ERP implementation also results in bringing together various sections of the organization like personnel, material and processes. This may help change the organization’s working culture.

Also Read – Construction ERP Software in UAE

Issues in ERP implementation

Every organization has its own cultural or organizational structure. In this situation, it is natural for them to be sceptical about ERP, since it is felt that their businesses are unique, organizations varying and cultures different. However, there is no need of such concern as eresource ERP package has been designed and is being continually upgraded to incorporate the best industry practices to suit most industry segments.

With thorough and dedicated BRP study and adapting those changes in the business process well before implementing the eresource ERP shall help make things smoother. It is therefore recommended that this methodology is followed; otherwise there is chance that most of the time users are left frustrated. This leads to poor participation and costly delays.

It is important to understand that an ERP packages not necessarily fit in completely with the existing business practices of most organizations and hence, the onus is on the users to appreciate this fact and to work with the implementation consultants in trying to adapt to the package. In doing so, they don’t have to feel that they are compromising on their business effectiveness; rather, by accepting the package, they are adopting the best of breed business practices and ensuring the successful implementation of new system.

Also Read – ERP Software Company in India

The other important factor is that the users do not expect a reduction in their workload immediately after the implementation of ERP and should not look for a miracle to happen. An ERP package is only an enabling tool and improves the flow of information and formalizes all the business processes and workflow that exists in an organization. It helps users to do their jobs better, which may call for additional efforts.

If one has to have more information in a system, it entails more work for more users, but the benefit is that this information is properly stored and can be fruitfully uses by other users in making better decisions. As the flow of information throughout the organization improves, the company starts performing better and this in turn benefits the users who have collectively improved their way of working. The package design and the architecture facilitate the availability of information to all authorized users in a useful way.

Also Read – Manufacturing ERP Software in UAE

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Changing Indian ERP Scenario

ERP Market in India

ERP Market growth in recent times, the ERP scenario in India is witnessing a rapid growth. A number of manufacturing firms, automotive, steel, oil, textile and pharmaceutical companies have already been implemented ERP solution thus making ERP dominating the overall picture in these organizations.

For the early adopters of ERP solution, Finance and Accounting, Sales and Distribution, Materials Management/Purchase, and Manufacturing are the most popular ERP modules implemented. In recent times Plant Maintenance, HR, Transportation and Service modules are also growing in popularity.

We find different industrial sectors like cement sector, power sector, and food sector are going for ERP solutions. The construction or project companies have also implemented different ERP solutions suitable to their needs.

Currently, the SME segment in India has been one of the most aggressive adopters of ERP software. In fact almost 60 per cent companies in the SME segment have already implemented ERP. This substantial increase in the penetration level in the SME segment is attributed to the introduction of low cost ERP solutions such as eresource ERP which also caters the country-specific localizations and availability of large pool of skilled functional and technical talents.

The primal objectives that the SMEs have for switching to ERP is to get aid in smooth inventory management, timely scheduling of production cycles and shipment of goods, managing human resources and online data communication.

According to estimates, the ERP market in India has witnessed a growth rate of 70 per cent in the last decade. As a result, the market has leapfrogged over the years to a tremendous volume in terms of monetary gains. There were many reports which underlined the tangible quantitative benefits accrued by Indian companies in post-ERP implementation era.

Most of the time these benefits are difficult to prove on statistical grounds as soft benefits like comfort in work life, maturity in planning, attitude changes, transparency, visibility etc are either practically impossible to measure or correlate such improvements to ERP implementation. Companies are supposed to set their objectives prior to implementation followed by measuring of the achievements after implementation, and only then should they conclude about the effects of ERP.

Call +91 77389 72222 or Email us at info@eresourceinfotech.com for FREE Online ERP Software demo!

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Demand grows for ERP solution

Demand grows for ERP there is no doubt that the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are in great demand today. Industry analysts are forecasting growth rates of more than 30% for at least the next five years. According to a study conducted on ERP solution, corporate growth has been indicated as the most compelling driver for adoption of ERP amongst senior management respondents.

Improved customer service, efficient distribution system, and reduced operation expenses are some of the other important business imperatives that are driving top management to implement ERP solutions. Majority of CEOs/Senior managers share the same view that ERP is an important tool to achieve competitive advantage.

Following are some of the major factors of ERP popularity.

  • ERP enables improved business performance through cycle time reduction. Cycle time is the time available at each station for the performance of the work allocated or the time elapsing between completed units coming of an assembly line. It also helps in increased business agility, inventory reduction and order fulfillment improvement.
  • ERP supports business growth requirements through new products/product lines, new customers, global requirements including multiple languages and currencies.
  • ERP provides flexible, integrated, real-time decision support in improving responsiveness across the organization.
  • ERP eliminates the limitations of the legacy system such as fragmentation of data and process, inflexibility to change and insupportable technologies.
  • ERP takes advantage of the untapped mid-market (medium size organizations) through increased functionality at a reasonable cost.

These are some of the reasons for the explosive growth rate of the ERP market. As more and more companies are entering into the market, the ERP solutions providers are facing a competitive market which brings out the best in them.

Initially the huge cost involved in the implementation of ERP solution has kept many medium scale industries away from it. However, with the introduction of affordable ERP solutions like eresource ERP, which is basically intended to serve the small and big players in the field alike, is bringing good benefit for Indian SMEs. This also contributed to the growth of ERP demand in the Indian market.

Also Read – ERP system for Construction Industry

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ERP implementation is a ‘User Driven’ project

User-driven ERP Implementation:

User driven project every organization has its own cultural or organizational structure. In this situation, it is natural for them to be sceptical about ERP, since it is felt that their businesses are unique, organizations varying and cultures different. However, there is no need of such concern as an ERP package has been designed and is being continually upgraded to incorporate the best industry practices to suit most industry segments.

With thorough and dedicated BRP study and adapting those changes in the business process well before implementing the ERP shall help make things smoother. It is therefore recommended that this methodology is followed; otherwise there is chance that most of the time users are left frustrated. This leads to poor participation and costly delays.

It is important to understand that an ERP package not necessarily fit in completely with the existing business practices of most organizations and hence, the onus is on the users to appreciate this fact and to work with the implementation consultants in trying to adapt to the package. In doing so, they don’t have to feel that they are compromising on their business effectiveness; rather, by accepting the package, they are adopting the best of breed business practices and ensuring the successful implementation of new system.

The other important factor is that the users do not expect a reduction in their workload immediately after the implementation of ERP Software and should not look for a miracle to happen. An ERP package is only an enabling tool and improves the flow of information and formalizes all the business processes and workflow that exists in an organization. It helps users to do their jobs better, which may call for additional efforts.

If one has to have more information in a system, it entails more work for more users, but the benefit is that this information is properly stored and can be fruitfully uses by other users in making better decisions. As the flow of information throughout the organization improves, the company starts performing better and this in turn benefits the users who have collectively improved their way of working. The package design and the architecture facilitate the availability of information to all authorized users in a useful way.

Also Read – ERP Software for Furniture Industry

Another important factor is the role of the consultant. The consultants by virtue of their industry experience and package expertise can help set the expectations of users at various levels keeping in mind the overall business objectives of the client. But it is also important to remember that a consultant is an external agent and all the business process of the organization is more akin to the management team and the users than the consultant.

The consultant however, can work closely with key users, understanding their needs, analyzing the business realities and designing solutions that meet the basic objectives of the company.

They, then, have to impress upon the users that individual needs can be met by keeping the organization’s needs in mind. It is the responsibility of the consultants and management team from the organization to guide them in this task and facilitate the overall implementation process. In essence, ERP implementation is predominantly a ‘User Driven’ project.

Also Read – ERP Software Company In India