ERP Support and Maintenance
You have some decent computerized applications running in your enterprise. But you
feel that you are actually leveraging the benefits of automation. Your inventory levels
have not come down and items in slow moving category are on the rise. You are not
getting the required Management Information Reports (MIS) as you would like to get.
You realize that it is time to have a fresh look at your systems. You may approach a
company that offers ERP consultancy as well as ERP support services. Generally
these kinds of companies have expertise in business process re-engineering, project
life cycle management. They may offer ERP support services like Enterprise
Information Technology Policy, Planning, Requirements Analysis, Product
configuration, Product Integration, Test and Evaluation etc.
Based on your consultant’s recommendation, you may go for ERP implementation.
There are many companies approved by ERP vendors who undertake ERP
configuration, customization and implementation. These companies bring in all their
resources, implement and leave the Enterprise, once their contract ends. These
companies may charge a hefty Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) for ERP
support, beyond the warranty.
Luckily, there are many other companies that offer ERP support services. They
understand ERP tools, their capabilities and limitations. They also study your system
as implemented and offer maintenance support. Their experts are well qualified and
are efficient to manage your ERP application , either on site, at your Enterprise or offsite, from their own support facility. They can help fine tune your current ERP system
as well as suggest changes, if required.
Whether you renew the maintenance contract with the company that helped you with
ERP implementation or a ERP Support services, company, you need to have a strong
IT team that ‘owns’ the ERP in your Enterprise.
You may have implemented ERP in a select areas a few years ago and you want to
add a few more modules. It may be worthwhile to approach ERP Support services
companies who can help you extend your current ERP system by adding the new
modules.
More often than not, you feel that you need to extend your ERP to your customers as
well as to Vendors. In the first phase of ERP implementation, you may not address
these two identities, but, once the ERP implementation is successful, you would like
to share the information with the vendors and customers seamlessly. The ERP support
company can help you to add Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Customer
Relationship Management (CRM).
Many ERP Support companies offer nodular approach based on modules or functions.
For example, you company wants help in only AP (Accounts Payable), AR (Accounts
Receivable), GL (General Ledger ) and some financial reporting in the Financial
module of ERP, specialists from this company may be deployed to address your need.
Another advantage of signing up ERP support company is that you will not be overly
worried about the attrition of your employees, who handle ERP systems. The ERP
support company provides continuity, ensuring the smooth maintenance.
Credit: MIS Notes_MGU
MBA- Knowledge Base