Erp—The Implementation Cycle

The ERP implementation cycle is characterized by complexity, uncertainty and a long time-scale. 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.

However, an ERP application does not just "appear" and everyone starts "using it". A cycle of events can be identified.

Much can go wrong during implementation since there are many problems and 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 the implementation.

This book:

covers the multidisciplinary subject of ERP

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

contains a wealth of detail about the ERP implementation cycle

features a unique way of thinking about processes

introduces the next generation of software application: ERPII

* Introduces, within a historical context , ERP and associated software applications (EDI, E-commerce, EIS/BI, SCP, CRM)
* Guides the reader, in a detailed and structured manner, through the complexity of the myriad of activities that characterise an ERP implementation
* Provides an insight into the next generation of applications: ERPII

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.