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Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful ERP Project

An ERP implementation is carried out in several phases that help streamline the implementation project successfully. This way, we work together to ensure that the solution meets your specific requirements and needs.

Success Factors for Each Phase​

A successful ERP implementation is carried out in several phases. Each phase involves different deliverables, exit criteria, and best practices.

Depending on the implementation methodology you choose for your ERP project, you may have more or fewer phases than those listed below. We know from experience that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Nevertheless, there is a basic structure that most successful projects follow. At a high level, most ERP projects involve six phases: planning, design, implementation, testing, operation, and optimization.
No matter how many phases your project timeline has, or what you call them, each step has one or more critical success factors that define it. Planning and monitoring each success factor is the key to ensuring ERP success.

Step-by-Step Guide

6 Steps to a Successful Go-Live!

During this phase, we assess the client’s specific needs and requirements. Clearly outline your objectives for implementing the ERP system. As an ERP partner, we evaluate our qualifications and determine whether Alistar is suitable for implementation in your specific industry.

What does your organization do?

  • Defining Wishes and Needs
  • Setting Clear Goals
  • Identify internal key users:
    • positive about digitization
    • have decision-making authority

What can you expect from Alistar?

  • Evaluation of Business Processes and Infrastructure
  • Once the right fit between client and partner is established, move on to the analysis
  • Delivery of the diagnostic report:
    • objectives
    • impact area
    • terms and conditions
  • Gap/Fit Analysis

During the analysis phase, we gather detailed information to optimize your business processes. We assess your wishes and needs against the capabilities of the selected software, including existing extensions and any customizations. This is where we bridge the gap between challenges and solutions.

What does your organization do?

  • Your team of key users has a standardized process
  • Key users walk through the business processes with our consultant
  • The proposed solution or concept is approved
  • Implement change management internally:
    • Come up with a name for the project
    • Spread the idea of change internally

What can you expect from Alistar?

  • Developing Test Scenarios
  • Submission of a draft report:
    • Analysis of Current Business Processes
    • solution architecture
    • testing the selected software
  • Detailed Quote:
    • step-by-step guide
    • required licenses

During this phase, we build a preliminary solution with a standard configuration, in which key users are trained in a secure environment. This gives users a better understanding of the new software and allows any potential roadblocks to be identified early on. In addition, preparations for the data migration also begin.

What does your organization do?

  • Grant access to the environment to prepare the solution
  • Helping to determine the test scenarios
  • Master Data Cleaning

What can you expect from Alistar?

  • Installation / Basic Configuration of the Selected Software 
  • Key user training on the standard configuration 
  • Database configuration:
    • templates for master data
  • Review of the Concept Document 
  • Start Data Migration 

This implementation phase consists of two phases. First, the ERP system is set up, and knowledge is transferred to the key users. This takes place through various sessions covering finance, purchasing, warehouse management, etc. 

On the other hand, we import the master data and carry out the technical expansion.

What does your organization do?

  • Allocate time for training key users
  • The internal project manager attends all workshops during this phase
  • Prepare documentation for user training:
    • with support from our consultant, if needed
  • Provide cleaned data for import:
    • based on the templates provided

What can you expect from Alistar?

  • Company Profile in the Database 
  • Development of any customized modifications
  • Development of Data Conversion 
  • Testing the solution (by Alistar and key users) 
  • Importing the master data:
    • customers, suppliers, items, price lists, etc.
  • Determining the layout of invoices, quotes, etc.

Key users have the important task of training end users. Whether the chosen go-live date is feasible will only be confirmed after acceptance testing. If a test scenario receives a negative evaluation, Alistar will provide additional training. If the acceptance testing receives a positive evaluation, the full solution will be rolled out throughout the company.

What does your organization do?

  • Key users' process workflows
  • Acceptance Testing
  • Training of end users by key users:
    • with support from Alistar, if necessary

What can you expect from Alistar?

  • Key user training:
    • End-user training is available upon request
  • User acceptance testing:
    • Test scenarios identified during the analysis phase will be tested
    • In the event of a negative evaluation, focus on additional training
  • Final Data Migration 
  • Go-Live Support

The go-live takes place following the rollout of the ERP system. The software is now in use by the end user. During this phase, it is crucial not to lose sight of support. Both support provided by our consultants during the go-live and an effective support system are essential to ensure that the system continues to function properly and that any issues are resolved quickly.

What does your organization do?

  • Support for the end user provided by a key user:
    • Key user as first line of support

What can you expect from Alistar?

  • Report any questions or issues to our help desk 24/7
  • Certified employees provide go-live support:
    • be able to provide immediate support in case of problems
  • Remote support or on-site:
    • Presentation of the Support Program

Project management throughout the entire process​

With a well-thought-out project approach, a company seeks to gain an organizational advantage by achieving its set objectives. A project manager keeps this in mind and ensures that the objectives are met.

What can you expect from a project manager?

  • Ensuring a Smooth Start to the Project
  • Preparing and Communicating Schedules 
  • Budget Versus Scope Control
  • Simplifying the project handover and approval process 
  • Direct contact person for questions or comments 
Our Expertise​

Alistar: The ERP Specialist for Microsoft and Exact

We implement ERP solutions from leading providers such as Microsoft and Exact, supplemented with customizations when needed. Compare our solutions for your business.

Microsoft ERP: Business Central

Flexible ERP for growth and innovation. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP solution that brings finance, operations, and sales together on a single platform. Thanks to its integration with Microsoft 365 and Power BI, you can work more efficiently, with real-time insights and maximum scalability. Ideal for organizations that want to grow and digitize their processes.

Exact ERP

Exact offers user-friendly ERP software that lets you manage your finances and business processes in a clear and organized way. The platform excels in administration and compliance and is well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that prioritize stability, control, and rapid implementation.

Ready to invest in ERP?

The cost of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central depend on your organization, processes, and growth plans. With the online cost calculator Gyde 365 You'll quickly get an idea of what Business Central will cost for your situation. No guesswork—just a realistic cost estimate, so you know exactly where you stand before you invest.

GYDE 365 | Calculate the cost of your ERP system

Learn more about ERP

Have you been working with Exact for years, or are you just getting started? In either case, the right Exact partner can help

In version 29, Business Central continues to evolve into an AI-driven ERP platform with a strong focus on automation through smart

Do you want to integrate Exact with other software? Find out when an existing integration is a good fit or when you need a specific integration

Our team is here to help you!

Alistar is a Microsoft Certified Partner for Business Applications and has a team of experienced business consultants, engineers, and experts who are happy to guide you through the entire process. Our goal is to ensure that your ERP project runs as smoothly as possible.

Jeroen De Vuyst

Dynamics 365 Sales Consultant

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose a Phased ERP Implementation?

Implementing the project in phases helps minimize risks. This also makes the process less disruptive for the organization and its users. In addition, you can provide feedback during each phase of the implementation and quickly resolve any issues that arise.

Choosing the right ERP solution starts with a clear understanding of your business processes and future growth. Keep the following criteria in mind:

  1. Features tailored to your industry
    Choose an ERP system that fits the way your organization operates.
  2. Flexibility and scalability
    Your ERP system needs to grow along with your organization. A modern cloud solution—such as Microsoft Dynamics 365—offers flexibility, automatic updates, and a reduced management burden.
  3. Integration with existing systems
    A good ERP system integrates seamlessly with the tools you already use, such as Office 365, Power BI, your HR system, or operational software.
  4. Ease of Use
    The easier it is for employees to use, the faster you'll see a return on investment. Look for intuitive screens, clear dashboards, and good mobile support.
  5. Total Cost of Ownership
    It's not just the license price that matters. You should also consider implementation, maintenance, management, and ongoing support.
  6. Reliable Implementation Partner
    An ERP system is only as good as the partner who implements it. Choose a partner who understands your industry, thinks proactively, provides advice, and offers long-term support.

Tip:
Make a shortlist of 2–3 solutions and have demos created based on your processes. That way, you’ll immediately see which solution is the best fit.

The exact duration varies greatly from one organization to another. It is important to remember that implementing an ERP system is not only a technical process but also an organizational one. The duration may also depend on the company’s capacity to handle the changes.

Absolutely. We offer your organization support from selection through implementation, including change management, integrations, and training.