ERP ERA

Long Live ERP!

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems typically have a fifteen to twenty year lifespan before they become completely outdated and replaced with newer, faster, sleeker, and more functionally full technology.  To get the maximum number of years out of your ERP system, you need to do upgrades.  Upgrades add functionality and improve business processes.  If you plan to do an upgrade in the near future, there are a few things you should keep in mind.  I’m sure you’ve head the phrase “timing is everything”.  Well, timing is important when you plan your Enterprise Resource Planning upgrade.  For instance, you don’t want to do an upgrade in the middle of a huge company project because you will need a lot of folks to dedicate to the upgrade project.  You’ll need their time and energy and expertise.  You also need to plan your upgrade.  Trying to attempt an upgrade without a plan doesn’t work.   You’ll need your functional and technical folks to join in and add their two cents to the upgrade plan.  Don’t underestimate the complexity of an upgrade. 

Before you purchase an ERP system, you might want to ask the vendor how often they upgrade.  That’ll give you some idea as to the amount of time and effort you’ll need to spend in the future to tend to this task.  You can also budget for the upgrade.  For example, if the vendor tells you that they provide upgrades every year, then you should budget one upgrade per year.  Keep in mind that you don’t always need to take the upgrade.  Make sure you are well educated on what’s in the upgrade before you decide whether to take it or leave it.

Document your upgrade process especially if it goes well.  That way, you can repeat the same process in the future making upgrades easy peasy.  However if you experience a terrible upgrade, then you can review your documentation and know what not to do the next time you upgrade.  Don’t be afraid to admit that you need help if your upgrade is going south.  Upgrading can be a tricky process, especially if you have lots of customizations.  If you are in the midst of an upgrade and you’re running into tons of complications, get outside support.  Sometimes it is worth the money to pay for outside support when compared to all the down-time your company will experience due to upgrade complications.

Written by :

johnziegler