ERP tips

* Manage the human element as well as the technology element.

* Visit other organizations that have done enterprise resource planning

implementations to learn from their efforts.

* Ensure senior-management and middle-management buy-in.

* Avoid those employees who are "retired in place." Instead, choose

"out of box" thinkers for an implementation team and dedicate them to the

ERP project.

* Provide incentives to prevent personnel from being lured to other

companies.

* Make minimal code changes to commercial off-the-shelf ERP packages.

* Begin business process re-engineering before buying a software package.

* Test the system to debug before going live.

* Include security as part of system configuration, not as an add-on

after going live.

* Offer extensive training to ERP users before going live and comprehensive

help desk services after launching the ERP system.

* Stick to a strict implementation deadline.