Can any one offer any advise on how best to collect define system / business needs to aid with specifying what functions of ERP should be implemented.

Also I'm not sure in terms of starting this project to select an ERP package to be implemented accross 3 Bespoke manufacturing sites in Europe, what are the options, best pracise interms of implementing ERP, can anyone advise.

Thanks

Implementing ERP is extremely challenging and usually highly complex.

I would reccommend a great deal of research in both what you want achieve in terms of functionality and implementation theory.

There are plenty of text availiable on the subject as ERP is well established and has been around since the 90's.

You should be able to find examples of pre-defined checklists.

You could try solution provider websites.

Business Process mapping is always a good way of understanding what is required.

Richard Cullen

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Richard Cullen

Don't underestimate the cultural impacts of change. Ensure to have top-level active support. Have a look at http://erp.ittoolbox.com/ this is a very good resource but be wary of the sales guys on there.

As previously mentioned , it is very complex task. Once you get to the shortlist remember not to assume that the software does something in a particular way, always check. Its important to know how the software can do a particular activity.

Thanks for the help, are there any particular texts you would recommend.

i am involved in erp application development and i have modified Sugar CRM an open source application in my last term project you should go for it.
Link removed/erp-solutions.html

Valgen Business Solitions Pvt. ltd.Link removed

product name: ValGn-ES

gives you good web based erp solutions

no investments, no installations

just pay and use

SaaS Model reduces implementation problems

just login through internet and start working

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Beverley,
I have just started using the site today so this is my first post.
In terms of your ERP questions I have worked in this area for several years.
I have project managed 3 erp project implementations from within a company.
The selection of the right software is one major part, I had a good, a not so good and a real ugly.
Bench test them with your data as part of the selection process.
Management commitment and a vision of what you are trying to achieve is a cultural dimension you must not underestimate. If some key managers don't want to take part they could kill the project (very slowly, and expensively)
Multi sites may have different problems / issues/ cultures.
Mapping out the processes will hopefully identify what elements you need to implement. Keep this simple with flow charts so your team can see what you have laid out.
If any of this helps get in touch we can talk further.

Martinprice@ntlworld.com

It really depends on who you talk to. If you talk with the software publisher, it's the end user's fault. If you talk with the end user, it's the software publishers fault or the consulting firm's fault. If you talk to the consulting firm, it's the end user's fault.
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according to my ERP implementation,

We seek for death by implementing ERP,

We wait for death by not implementing ERP.

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Link removed

Out of interest how did the ERP installation go?