ERP Implementations Gone Bad?

Implementation has been about as challenging as we expected. The "sales technician" did not oversell the produce (as I have seen in the past). The system set up & tailoring available as well as the "basic training" was excellent. We even came up with some creative policies and practices that even their experts had not thought of. The data transfer and inputs phase was poor and had to be 100% reviewed and corrected before "go live". This strained and delayed the implementation, but there was no contractual or easy legal recourse, so we just had to "grind it out". The blog service where suggestions, short cuts & trouble solutions from other system users has been a gift from heaven.

This is the third system implementation I have experienced. Usually the low cost systems allow limited flexibility on how you can manipulate them for your specific needs, and the most sophisticated and expensive ones require extensive set up and on going maintenance to keep running and be effectively updated. The ability of the system chosen (like a tool) is only as effective as your planned and on going use. The last thing needed is for the system to run you and make you operate in an efficient and cost ineffective way.

I believe there are no "perfect match" ERP/MRP systems out there for every type and size manufacturer. Based on the size and complexity of your company, as the system with the desired features and options is chosen, flexibility without having to change hard programing (code) is an important factor. You can get just so creative in manipulating the use of the intended functions to suit your special needs.

My advice: Know how you want to run your manufacturing process & what detailed records are essential and then make sure that the chosen system fulfill that need without forcing you to accept costly features and practices you don't need. Also, check and modify your contract if necessary before signing to protect yourself from added implementation expenses if the software and/or implementation services do not live up to contracted expectations.