5 lessons you can learn from past SAP Business One implementations

What does it take to deliver a successful SAP Business One implementation? Unsurprisingly, SAP has a lot to say on this subject – and the vendor provides plenty of support to its partners when it comes to implementation best practice.

The most effective implementations are achieved through a combination of theory and practical experience. Here, we look at five key points from SAP’s white paper ‘Driving Excellence in Implementation – and Beyond‘ that need to be taken on board for the best possible outcome, along with a bonus pointer from our own experience of implementing Business One projects as a SAP partner.

1. Anchor business value firmly in your project

SAP stresses the importance of all parties recognising the strategic importance and business objectives of the implementation project. The business case for the investment must be clearly understood by the implementation partner, the white paper adds. This means the partner should be chosen on the basis of a proven ability to deliver from both a technical and a business perspective.

2. Determine clear requirements early on

Master data, data flow, integration, security, interfaces and legacy environments – these are all requirements that should be analysed as early in the project as possible. Business users should have involvement in the process of determining requirements in order to secure buy-in for the final solution.

3. Staff project with sufficient, competent, motivated people

As well as a partner who can offer the right mix of skills and experience, the staff you select to work on the project internally must be carefully recruited. SAP says they should be trained to understand the technical and functional context in which they are working, with their commitment and time allocation reviewed regularly to ensure it remains adequate.

4. Apply appropriate methodology and plan for quality

An implementation methodology must be agreed on. It is, of course, advisable to use a proven methodology, but it must also be suitable for the specific project and its scope. SAP explains that everyone should work according to the same quality standards. Review methods and the criteria used to measure project deliverables must be defined and clearly understood.

5. Identify and manage risks and issues throughout the project

SAP emphasises that the careful management of risks and issues is critical to success. It states that risks should be revisited throughout the project lifecycle, with an effective governance policy to support the process. All parties should be encouraged to acknowledge risks honestly.

The above points can make all the difference between a successful SAP Business One implementation and one that only gets adequate – or worse, poor – results.

Further points

Agile methodology = faster and greater results

In our experience, an agile methodology that focuses on the areas that will generate the biggest efficiency benefits first usually provides the best results: they are immediate, it provides additional resources to devote to the later stages and keeps staff motivated and on board with the project.

Lifetime commitment to improvement

Most businesses nowadays have to be keep ahead of fast industry changes and developments. In order to stay competitive, it is important that you don’t become complacent and simply stop once the main project is finished.

If you commit to a process of continual improvement, it is much quicker (and less painful) to adapt to changes in your market. That is why we believe in a Lifetime Application Methodology, because we know how important it is that your systems can keep up with you.

If you want to find out more about how to succeed with SAP Business One, why not download our guide below?

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