The history of implementing ERP systems has shown that leaving the fate of your Enterprise Resource Planning project in the hands of software consultants and vendors may only create a false sense of security. While the help of consultants is usually required, they are not all-knowing, have a limited ability to control the keys to project success, and are often the beneficiaries of cost overruns. When it comes to software vendors, their sales people will be long gone when it comes time to go-live with the new system.

This book presents comprehensive strategies and techniques that enable organizations to take charge of their Enterprise Resource Planning projects to drive success. It is a guide to making informed decisions during each project phase. The author describes how to become less dependent on outside consultants, mitigate project risks, and significantly reduce implementation costs. Just as important are strategies and methods for the project team and stakeholders to identify business improvement opportunities within your organization and redesign processes to achieve the project benefits.

The book also contains many tips to create internal project ownership, select ERP software, manage service providers, transfer software knowledge, develop the right implementation strategies, establish a realistic schedule and budget, and properly test the new system. It also addresses the various application and system infrastructure deployment options, emerging technology trends, and the implications from a software selection, implementation and on-going support standpoint. The information in this book is applicable to new implementations and system upgrades.

This edition updated: November 2024