This article is part four of a ten-part series that will focus on lessons learned from decades of project and program management within higher education.
In the journey of ERP implementation within higher education, the prototyping phase is critical to ensuring success. This phase brings theoretical designs into tangible system configuration, enabling stakeholders to interact with and validate the future state. Here are key points to consider for maximizing lessons learned during this phase.
Include 100% of Configurable Items
Ensure that all configurable items are included in the prototyping phase. While prioritization is acceptable, avoid the 80/20 justification where you only focus on the “happy path” leaving exceptions and often more complex configuration for later. Focusing on critical and high-impact processes ensures that essential functions are thoroughly tested and validated.
Engage Stakeholders Early
Get the application in front of stakeholders and the community as quickly as possible. Early engagement helps with the communication and acceptance of change, providing an opportunity to gather feedback that can be used to refine communications and training. This approach may also build excitement and enthusiasm about the future state.
Balance Speed and Knowledge Transfer
The speed of configuration versus knowledge transfer is a crucial balance to strike. Configuration offers one of the best opportunities for knowledge transfer. Whether through a build and review, co-build, or build and document approach, determine the best method for your program or project to ensure that team members gain the necessary expertise.
Utilize Unit Testing for Scenario Development
Unit testing during the prototyping phase is invaluable for developing test scenarios. This practice ensures that individual components function correctly and provides a solid foundation for more comprehensive testing phases later on.
Conclusion
Prototyping and system configuration are essential steps in the ERP implementation process. By including all configurable items, engaging stakeholders early, balancing speed with knowledge transfer, and leveraging unit testing, higher education institutions can ensure a smoother transition to their new ERP systems. These practices not only enhance the quality of the final product but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. By focusing on these critical steps, institutions can enhance the effectiveness of their ERP projects, leading to successful implementations that support their strategic goals.
For more information or to schedule a conversation, please click here!
No results found.
Tell us about your challenge, and we’ll work with you to design the right next step.