"One of the key areas that businesses need to address during ERP projects is ensuring clean data. Without that, it's very difficult to successfully manage operations." — Chris Greenhalgh
As an Epicor Specialist at IT Works, I recently sat down with Chris Greenhalgh, an experienced Epicor consultant with 13 years of industry knowledge. We discussed the recurring challenges businesses face during ERP implementations and how to overcome them, offering valuable insights for companies working on projects with Epicor systems.
Chris shared that the most common challenges are insufficient time and resources allocated to training, poor data quality, and ineffective project management. Without these elements in place, implementations can falter and ultimately fail.
Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:
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Training and User Engagement: Training users thoroughly on Epicor processes is critical to ensure smooth operations. Chris highlighted the importance of fully testing the system before implementation to avoid unexpected issues.
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Data Accuracy: Clean, up-to-date data is essential. Companies often struggle with outdated sales orders, jobs, or inaccurate supplier information. Ensuring accurate and current data allows smoother implementations and day-to-day management.
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Effective Project Management: Defining clear goals at the outset and avoiding scope creep are essential. Chris also advised against heavy customisations early on, as the out-of-the-box Epicor system often meets 80-85% of business requirements.
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Post-Implementation Support: After go-live, continued support and training are crucial to keep users confident and operations running smoothly.
One standout point from our conversation was Chris's emphasis on keeping implementation simple. "If you select the right package, you won’t need excessive customisations," he explained. This approach minimises maintenance burdens and ensures that businesses can fully leverage Epicor's built-in capabilities.
Final Thoughts
My conversation with Chris highlighted how critical preparation and ongoing support are when navigating Epicor ERP projects. From ensuring clean data to comprehensive training and strategic project management, businesses can significantly improve their chances of success by addressing these key areas.
Watch the full video below to hear more of Chris's expert advice and practical tips:
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Our Services Include:
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Resource Provision: Access skilled Epicor consultants, project managers, and business analysts.
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Business Analysis: Identify and solve operational bottlenecks.
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Consultation: Tailored advice to align ERP systems with your business goals.
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Data Clean-Up: Ensure accurate data for smooth implementation.
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Post-Implementation Support: Keep your business running efficiently with expert guidance.
Let us help you achieve ERP success. Reach out today!
