Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) refers to the software systems and processes used to manage your overall business. Typically, at its core is the financial modules, such as Accounts Receivable (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), and your General Ledger (GL) and Chart of Accounts.
ERP’s primary purpose is to be a “single source of truth” for your business data such as your master data. The best ERP’s are fully and seamlessly integrated; however, may contain external solutions that can be stand alone, loosely integrated or fully integrated, depending on your needs.
ERP can also include modules to manage other operational and business processes, such as Customer Relationship Management, Sales & Distribution, Inventory & Warehouse Management, Materials Resource Planning (MRP), Production & Manufacturing, Business Intelligence & Reporting (BI), Mobility, Human Resource Management & Payroll, Service, Point of Sale (POS), e-Commerce, Project Management, Integration Middleware, etc.
At Silverthaw Consulting Ltd. we offer a wide variety of services specifically related to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), especially:
Business Analysis and Requirements Gathering
The first step in the ERP process is to conduct a business analysis, needs assessments and gap analysis of current systems and processes. This should include a understanding of goals and objectives of the project and how it aligns with your strategic plan. Our team of experts will conduct a series of online/onsite surveys to compile and document the necessary information to make the best recommendation. Often, it may be found that new systems are not required, as existing systems can be supplemented with other solutions, upgraded to meet new requirements, or achieved with a process change.
System Selection
Once the business analysis has been conducted, our team of experts will provide various software options with you and your team and manage the process of vendor selection.
Request for Proposal (RFP)
You may also elect to use our Request for Proposal (RFP) service, which is similar to the System Selection service; however, it is much more detailed and formal, including the issuance of a public tender for your software project. Our team will manage the entire process from needs analysis, documentation, RFP creation, RFP dissemination, interacting with potential vendors, arranging software demonstrations, SWAT analysis, contract negotiation (optional), etc.
Project Management
Once the system selection has been completed, you may choose to use our team of experts to manage the software project. Proper project management is crucial to the success of the project. The primary tasks include keeping the project on scope & budget management, change management, resource management, scheduling and conducting status meetings, change request management, deliverables management, steering committee (optional), etc.
Additional Resources & Recommended Reading
Five Biggest Challenges Of Implementing ERP
Navigating The ERP Decision: How To Know You Are Ready For ERP