What is ERP Deployment?
Definition and Different Approaches
What is ERP Deployment?
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Deployment is the process of installing an ERP software system, migrating data over to that new software system, configuring that system to work for your users and existing business processes and training your users on how to use the software. Often times an organization will opt to hire an integration partner for their ERP implementation. An integrator helps successfully optimize and install the software for your business needs. If the ERP system is cloud-based, an integrator can set up the proper parameters for hosting. Choosing the right partner for deploying/implementing your cloud ERP system is almost as important as selecting the right software.
Different Approach Methods To ERP Deployment
To understand the deployment/ implementation of an ERP you must know that proper software deployment follows a particular method or life cycle known as SDLC, or Software Development Life Cycle. It is the sequence of activities carried out by developers to design and develop high-quality software. A few approaches include the V-Cycle, the agile approach and the versioning approach. These deployment options have the same goal but vary in effectiveness.
V-cycle Approach
V-Cycle is a Software Development Life Cycle model that has a corresponding testing phase for every stage of development. This model is also called the Validation and Verification Model. As its name suggests deployments following the V-cycle take a V like shape and each step happens in a sequential manner. V-cycle deployment shines in small to medium-sized projects where requirements are simple, however, it is an outdated project model when compared to other methods due to its rigidness and lack of flexibility. Another shortcoming of the V-Cycle is the lack of interaction between company and client. In a V-cycle there is only a scheduled opportunity to interact and access customer needs at the beginning of the project. In this approach company's will reach the end of the project only to find that this final created product is not what the customer wants.
The Agile Approach Method
The Agile Method is a particular approach to project management that is utilized in software development. This method leads to better team responsiveness when dealing with the unpredictability of constructing software solutions. It uses incremental, iterative work sequences that are commonly known as sprints. With the Agile approach, a team can manage a project by breaking it up into several stages and involving constant collaboration with stakeholders and continuous improvement and iteration at every stage. For example, here at Captivea, a standard training in Odoo is given as early as the framing phase so that the client can get hands-on with the software and be more involved with project progress at the end of each sprint. The agile methodology starts with the end in mind so there is no need for a long drawn out list of specifications which helps in clarifying client expectations. Unlike a V cycle, since the development and the implementation period is highly agile, it is very possible to make adjustments, even after the project has started to ensure that the final product truly fits the customer's needs. in addition to an ongoing cycle of planning, executing, and evaluating — continuous communication and collaboration is of high importance as well.
Versioning Approach
With the versioning approach, the ERP software is deployed in separate lots or versions that are ready to be used. For example, lot one would include the CRM and Sales portion of the ERP. This version would be pushed live and after some time the next version or lot would be released and would also include inventory and manufacturing modules of the ERP solution. The next would include accounting and Human Resources and so on and so forth. This process would continue until the client is satisfied with their ERP software. Best practices indicate that this is great for managing larger projects as you can effectively split it into smaller sub-projects while still having a live product.
Setting Up For ERP Deployment
Contact us and speak to our ERP experts located in the United States for more information on deploying ERP software