So you want an ERP failure and you want it to be of epic proportions? Okay, here are your top ways to assure you go down in flames in the most spectacular way.
Key things to ensure ERP Failure
1. Select the Software at face value based on the Vendor’s Promises. In fact, the best thing you can do is to buy the software right there at the trade show.
2. Don’t even consider the business processes. Fully adopt the software the way it works out of the box. Process ERP Failure.
3. Only include the users at the last minute and then for minimal training. Use Mushroom Management to keep the users at bay. People ERP Failure.
4. Pick an ERP Software on an operating platform to which IT has no knowledge. For example select an ERP running on Unix and put it into a Windows environment. Technical ERP Failure.
5. Keep executive level management out of the process and out of the project. Use upward mushroom management** with executives about the status of the project. Avoid their support at all costs.
6. Avoid data cleanup. In fact, push the data over to the new system with no review. Forget any field type changes or consideration of system differences.
7. Only use the standard reports. Those are good enough for your users.
**Mushroom management: noun, a method of “keeping them in the dark and feeding them lots of Sh!&”
Congratulations you are now on a path to ERP Hell! Enjoy the ride.
Avoiding ERP Failure
In all seriousness, here are some resources to help you in you avoid ERP Failure:
Why New Systems Fail: An Insider’s Guide to Successful IT Projects
ERP Project Management Articles
ERP Failure
