Typical Implementation Timeframe For New Erp System

By Author: Dr Andrew Napier
Total Articles: 508
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Many companies and organizations are turning towards an Enterprise Resource Planning or an ERP system nowadays. The ERP implementation costs have reduced over the years but the typical implementation timeframe for ERP system has not reduced much. It usually takes more time than expected for the implementation process. The typical timeframe is suggested to be around 12 to 18 months but since it depends on a lot of factors involved, it could take more time. The factors it depends on are number of users, expectations, team member’s efficiency, etc. The implementation time can increase as the load increases or as the number of users increase. If there are many business partners, many branches or many business units, the typical implementation timeframe for ERP system increases too. Also if the client expects that each and every problem of the business process should be solved through automation, this might also delay the timeframe. Large distances between the branches of the organizations can waste a lot of time.

The typical implementation timeframe for ERP system can increase if the business process is complicated. In ...
... that case the time spent for understanding the client’s requirements may be more and the customization at each phase may take extra time. The team members and the consultants need to be professionals and experts in their field so as to be able to complete the project on time. They should be dedicated and experienced so as to be able to solve the problems which come up during the process. The technical consultants and the functional consultants both should be efficient and hardworking. The typical implementation timeframe for ERP system can be reduced if the client involves himself at each stage and assists too.

The customization process is done to alter the application so as to fit to the needs of the client. This process is important and takes time as it requires code work to be done by the technical consultants. This step may also delay the typical implementation timeframe for ERP system. A lot of paperwork is also involved in the implementation process. The consultant needs to do a lot of documentation which needs to be approved by the project manager and the client. Coordination and interactions are required between the team members and the managers and the client. If there is improper coordination between the team members, it would cause unnecessary delays.

Every step and procedure of the implementation phase needs detailed attention of the consultants. It is difficult to decide a fixed or typical implementation timeframe for ERP system since there are so many procedures and so many people involved. A delay in any step of the phase will cause a delay in the whole process. Ideally, a small company may require about six months for the enterprise resource implementation whereas a large scale organization may require about 18 months as a typical implementation timeframe for ERP system. If one tries to rush things during the process, some steps may be skipped or cause a failure in the project.

Read about ERP Benefits. Also know about SAP ERP Review. Read about NetSuite ERP Review.