Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Packages: Sustainability in Transitional Economies

2 Factors for Sustainability  Package acquisition  Implementation strategies  Training and change management  Go-Live and post-implementation support

3 Package Acquisition Considerations  Tier  Configuration vs. Customization  Platform

4 Package Acquisition Considerations (cont)  Local vendor presence  Implementation consultants  Fixed price  T&M/CPFF  Licensing and out-year maintenance  Vendors will make deep discounts  Maintenance shouldn’t be more than 20% of list per year  Look for training credits

5 Implementation Strategies  Integrated vs. Best of breed  Big-bang vs. Incremental  Rapid install vs. Gradual  Consultant-led vs. Key user led  Executive sponsorship

6 Training and Change Management  Key user nomination  Town-halls  Class room training  Just in time  Post-implementation support  Help Desk

7 Best Practices for Sustainability  Get key user participation as close to 100% as possible  Build and sustain cross-functional user teams for implementation and beyond  Focus on configuration and adaptation rather than customization  Insist on executive sponsorship and an executive steering committee  Communicate early and continuously to the recipient organization  Train the trainer and make training a continuous activity

8 For further information  Scott Vickland 1001 G St. N.W. Washington, D.C  Veronica Gilbert 1001 G. St. N.W. Washington, D.C