ERP: The Implementation Cycle

The ERP Implementation cycle is characterized by complexity, uncertainty and a long timescale. It is about people and issues that affect the business – it is a multi-disciplinary effort.

This book will provide you with the practical information you will need in relation to the many issues and events within the implementation cycle. After reading this book you will be fully equipped and alerted to what is involved in an ERP implementation.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) can be described as an integrated enterprise-wide information system. As well as handling many of the transactions found within a business it has the potential for meeting many of the information requirements of busy personnel. If used in the right hands, it may provide the business with a competitive edge.

Much can go wrong during the implementation since there are many issues to deal with. From the content of this book you will gain an understanding of what can go wrong – you will be prepared in advance, and will be equipped to take preventative steps to smooth the progress of implementation.

This book:

• Covers the multidisciplinary subject of ERP implementation
• Looks at a range of relevant topics including ERP market-place development, vendor selection, project management, process design and post GoLive improvements
• Reveals a range of issues which an implementer should be alert to right at the outset before the go-ahead is given to proceed with an implementation
• Features material on vendor selection, project management, training, business process re-engineering (BPR) and continuous improvement

Stephen Harwood has worked with IT since reading the subject as part of his first degree in the late 1970s. His first-hand experience of ERP is underpinned by over fifteen year’s activity in the fields of information management, organizational change and business strategy. During this time he has gathered experience of many aspects of a business’s activities. His particular interest is the role of Information and Communication Technologies as an enabler of strategic intent. Current roles include non-executive director, researcher, university tutor and consultant.