The most difficult and expensive problem is to transform outdated business model software, which is regularly overhauled. Based on the failure of project implementation (especially ERP space), the market-leading companies have been more accurate in planning and implementing technical projects in transformation projects. However, for many companies, especially those lacking internal experience and knowledge, it is still an unattainable dream to achieve perfection in the implementation of technical projects.
But there is no essential difference between the way we need now and before 15. Software application can greatly improve efficiency and customer service quality. However, the success of the project depends on well-managed planning and implementation and effective emergency management.
The following strategies help to promote the successful implementation of supply chain software:
The newly purchased supply chain technology must ensure that it supports the company's strategy.
As a key technology, SCM system should be carefully chosen as a strategic tool to support the company's long-term strategy and goals, rather than solving short-term problems. This goal can be achieved by selecting the best technology and setting corresponding benchmarks according to competitors. The selected technology must be easy to configure to adapt to different situations; Must be able to continuously develop to meet the changing industry requirements; Must be able to strengthen scalability to meet the needs of future business development. It is particularly important that the technology selected must be able to support the long-term business direction and goals of the enterprise.
Evaluate whether the system functions can support specific business requirements.
A single system cannot meet the various business needs of different companies. IT is very important for IT directors to analyze the target gap when considering which supply chain system to implement. On this basis, the gap between system functions and actual business needs can be narrowed. After the primary selection of several systems that best meet the business objectives, you can't just choose according to the function list, because most technologically advanced supply chain systems are similar and difficult to distinguish. Instead, suppliers should be required to demonstrate the adaptability of their solutions to specific business needs.
Determine the specific goals and time limit for realizing the return on investment.
When implementing a supply chain solution, the business case must be reasonable and the software learning curve must be taken into account within the target time limit. Management must propose and verify the implementation time of the project through similar project research, and evaluate it according to rational demand analysis. In addition, the management must recruit qualified project personnel and agree on the time limit for return on investment. After selecting a technology supplier, the management must determine the needs and goals of different stakeholders and clarify their expectations for the project. One of the best ways to clarify the above needs is to hold a management seminar by an experienced coordinator. The coordinator may help to clarify the implementation route and long-term goals of the project. On this basis, the project team can work out the workflow and detailed action plan according to the business objectives.
Formulate and implement the best scheme
The way to quickly realize the return on investment and process improvement is to cooperate with software vendors to determine the best solution. High-quality suppliers can provide suggestions to users and customers, help them formulate implementation strategies, and consider time, cost, function and risk to achieve process improvement. This can provide a reasonable project management system and promote the analysis of the company's business and distribution channels. Finally, the system helps to determine the necessary steps of process improvement, and promotes business efficiency and business development.
Never underestimate project management resources.
If you don't have the necessary project management resources, you should consider renting or buying the best resources you can. Some enterprises have qualified project managers, and some enterprises have obviously insufficient existing resources. The effective management of project implementation includes the following aspects: (1) coordinating different goals for each project team; As an integral part of project management, pay attention to work coordination. The key to the success of the project lies in the decision-making ability, problem-solving ability and activity coordination ability in multi-sector and multi-promotion activities.
Business group participation
Although software and technology constitute the main input of enterprises, it is usually the case that technicians participate more and operators participate less. Successful project implementation will maintain and ultimately optimize various business processes and achieve the best supply chain performance. However, it is also necessary for operators to participate in testing, training and conversion. The rare situation that must be avoided is that the project team is mainly composed of operators, and the IT staff is obviously insufficient.
Early involvement of suppliers
If the supply chain management solution depends on cooperation or collaboration with suppliers, it is necessary to clarify their responsibilities in implementing the supply chain management system. There are always some enterprises hesitant in the face of change, and some suppliers are "pioneers". These suppliers have insight into the structural improvement and process improvement brought by the new system, which is helpful to improve efficiency.
system test
Testing actually includes three stages: system testing, integration testing and user acceptance. The purpose of system testing is to ensure that the system is configured correctly and can support the specified business processes. The integration test is carried out when the system is connected to the company's existing system and the system of external suppliers or customers to ensure the close cooperation between the systems. User acceptance involves "super users", that is, operators. As the main user of the system, the super user is responsible for determining whether the system meets the expected purpose. At each stage, enterprises should adopt the actual data and users in the actual business environment and strictly abide by the pre-determined business processes. This is the main part of the critical stage, and the project manager cannot underestimate the importance of large-scale testing.
User training
Compared with trained users, untrained users need to spend six times as long to complete the same task. By outsourcing training, a 2% increase in production efficiency can generate a return on investment of 100%. Market-leading solution providers have tried and tested supporting methods for software implementation, process improvement, daily business operation and emergency management, thus promoting the implementation of the system throughout the enterprise. Therefore, management should consider relying on solution providers to meet the initial training needs. At the same time, the management should also ensure that users are aware of the importance of implementing SOP, and make SOP written through screen capture, so that users can clearly understand the non-system related processes that should be followed. "Trainer training" will reduce the long-term dependence on suppliers and meet the future training needs by teaching users the training skills needed by system users.
Communicate effectively and pursue quick returns.
Before and during the implementation of the system, structured communication procedures should be established to ensure that the project team can hold regular meetings, share problems, exchange opinions, and review the costs and reports related to the process and results. For large and complex supply chain technology implementation projects, enterprises should pursue quick returns. In this result-oriented business society, supply chain technology suppliers should ensure that at least one significant effect is submitted in the first 12 month through reasonable planning, so as to quickly show the generated value to the business. Significant return on investment will not be effective until later, but short-term results will help win the support of management, meet their urgent hopes and show the progress of the project.
Assess long-term risks and plan plans.
Ensure that the implementation plan takes into account the time including the successful implementation of the solution and the long-term time limit. When the project team is partially dissolved or the main members of the project team leave the project team, the future business is more critical. Professionals must always be ready to solve urgent problems that may threaten business. In the long run, it is necessary to establish a business team composed of project-related personnel and other functional areas. They should be jointly responsible for regularly evaluating the risks and possibilities of this situation in order to prepare for high-risk events.
From the short-term, medium-term and long-term perspective, the key to successful implementation is to have enough qualified personnel, and to ensure that the project is completed on time through effective internal and external communication with suppliers and customers before and after implementation.
All the above strategies show the importance of pre-selection and reflect the role of business execution in helping software technologies and applications realize their advantages. When business operation and supply chain process changes can cooperate with each other, advanced software can be effectively applied for a long time. When senior planning administrators pay attention to careful implementation, continuous risk monitoring and implementation-driven, enterprises can achieve excellent business benefits, thus achieving measurable return on investment.