Structuring a Global Implementation
Objectives
The aim of a global implementation is to have structured streamlined process flows across lines of business with local requirements seamlessly incorporated within it. Companies usually create a global template which is rolled out at every site.
Business Process re-engineering must be done across all sites to standardize the processes per the global template and identify local variations. People need to be convinced to work across the globe and cooperate with one another to implement a standard set of business applications. This requires full commitment and continuous encouragement from the top management.
Critical success factors include standardized business process flows, structured communication plans and processes occurring across time zones, common discussion forums for global teams and a continuous robust control and change management process which incorporates various global feedback streams. It is advisable to have a phased sequential implementation where the company allows the new system to stabilize, adequate training plans to educate users on the new system and cater to any issues pertaining to local regulations.
It is highly essential to define a workplan for the implementation with milestones for every global site. It pays to select a dedicated, knowledgeable and resourceful team that can understand the organization needs and maintain focus on achieving planned benefits. This core central team will have to travel across global sites for introducing the global template.
Roles
A key role in any global implementation is the implementation Sponsor. The implementation Sponsor (sometimes referred to as the Champion) is an executive who has a stake in the success of the implementation and sits on the Steering Committee. Global key stakeholders are represented on the implementation Steering Committee. The Steering Committee makes final decisions and provides guidance and communication to the implementation team.
The implementation team needs to be structured so that key stakeholders across the enterprise are represented and have a say in the decision-making process. Global Process Owners (GPOs) are local representatives who report to the Steering Committee. GPOs provide direction to the Process Lead from their division or area. Process Leads collaborate and are empowered to make process change decisions that conform to the global template. Process Leads work with the Technical Team to implement the new processes.
The GPOs provide regular updates to the Steering Committee on the overall progress of the workplan and identify any issues that need to be resolved. In the event the Steering Committee cannot reach a consensus on an unresolved issue, the Sponsor has the final say.
Data and Costs
It is important to harmonize the data to generate global economies of scale and also provide a degree of freedom to customize it for local requirements. There should be standardization of interfaces across sites and a uniform data management strategy. If a company is too large in size, then a single central server and network fail to handle the huge volume of transactions. So the company needs to ensure that the communication and data management systems are in line to meet the future flow of data as dictated by the global template. A proper data backup and maintenance system needs to be in place.
Some of the key global ERP implementation costs need to be kept in view while structuring the implementation. Travel, training, documentation translations, advanced telecommunication system, robust data storages mechanisms with high availability systems and consultancy fees are some of the key cost heads.
Conclusion
Structuring a global implementation involves defining your objectives, getting the right resources to deliver on those objectives, without negatively impacting your data or overrunning costs. Well run implementations take all of these factors into consideration at the earliest planning stages to avoid those ‘surprises’ that can take the implementation off track.
