Whether it’s an ERP upgrade to a new version or a full ERP implementation, make sure you have a plan in place that lays out the roles of those involved in the project. The key points you will need to be successful are:

1. Assign an internal Project Manager.
This may be one person or a group of people, but you need to have someone internally that will “own” the project.

2. Determine if outside help is needed?
Most situations will require a consultant who has implemented the software previously, and depending on the nature of your set-up, others to assist in integration

3. Get feedback from all team members.
Solicit opinions from everyone who will be using the new system. The success or failure of a new solution (or ERP upgrade) will ultimately rely on how well it works for end users, so get feedback on what the new system should do

4. Think about the long term.
You will have this new solution for years – what changes may be coming down the road, and how will it affect what you are doing now?

5. What do you need the new solution to do?
It may seem obvious – but many people do not ask this basic question. What do you like about your old solution, and what would you perhaps like to change?

6. Set a budget.
Get a feel for what this will cost, and realize that being over budget by 10% is not uncommon. Also be aware that delays on your end will affect what the solution will cost

7. Check your Solution Partner’s experience and methodology
Has the group you are working with done an implementation or ERP upgrade in your industry before? Have they worked on organizations your size? How do they manage projects, and do they communicate well? You are going to be working very closely with this group, make sure you have a business as well as general sense of comfort with them.