What Are the Most Effective Ways to Document ERP System Customization and Configuration
What Are the Most Effective Ways to Document ERP System Customization and Configuration
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Every ERP project team must have SMEs who act as bridge to take the
understanding between business users and project team as not all
feedbacks are necessary. We can make the list of what we must have
and what is nice to have and based on the scope decision must be
taken on the feedback
#1 – Scope Document
Scope document for ERP is one of the basic step any organization will take forward in order to
ensure all the parameters and functions are defined and documented. Scope document can be
prepared by the internal team or through ERP consultancy firm such as Functional Consultant.
Although a Scope document may not be completely define the ERP requirements in some cases but
it provides a clarity to the vendor and management on what goals needs to be achieve through ERP
software implementation. It also define common understanding of what will be included and
excluded from the implementation. It helps to manage expectations, minimize scope creep, and
ensure the project stays on track.
Typically, a Scope Document for an ERP project includes the following key components:
1. Project Objectives: Clearly state the objectives and expected outcomes of the ERP implementation
project, such as improving business processes, increasing operational efficiency, or integrating
disparate systems.
2. Project Deliverables: Specify the tangible outputs and results that will be delivered as part of the
project, such as a fully configured ERP system, documented business processes, and training
materials.
3. In-Scope and Out-of-Scope Items: Define the functionalities, modules, and processes that will be
included in the ERP implementation. Also, explicitly mention any specific items or functionalities that
will not be part of the project scope.
4. Project Timeline: Provide an estimated timeline or project schedule, including major milestones and
key activities, to give a sense of the project’s duration and important deadlines.
5. Assumptions and Constraints: Identify any assumptions or constraints that may impact the
project, such as resource limitations, budgetary constraints, or technical dependencies.
6. Change Management: Outline the approach and strategies for managing change within the
organization, including training plans, communication strategies, and user adoption activities.
7. Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder involved
in the project, including the project team, management, and external consultants.
The purpose of a Business Needs Document is to clearly articulate the organization’s current pain
points, challenges, and desired outcomes in relation to its business processes and operations. It
helps in aligning the ERP project with the organization’s strategic objectives and serves as a
reference for the project team, management, and ERP consultants.
A comprehensive Business Needs Document for an ERP project typically includes the following key
components:
Business processes
Before the team can design and launch an ERP solution that serves the organization’s needs, you
should first understand the business processes that will flow through the platform or be affected by
its implementation. By thoroughly documenting each process, you’ll gain a comprehensive view of
which processes will change, where new processes are needed, and where redundant processes
can be consolidated.
The purpose of a Business Process Document is to analyze and document the organization’s
current business processes, identify areas for improvement, and design efficient and optimized
processes within the ERP system. It serves as a reference for the ERP implementation team,
stakeholders, and end-users to understand the current state and desired future state of business
processes.
1. Process Descriptions:
Provide detailed descriptions of the organization’s current business processes, including inputs,
outputs, activities, decision points, and stakeholders involved.
2. Process Maps and Flowcharts:
Visual representations, such as process maps and flowcharts, can be included to illustrate the flow
and sequence of activities within each process.
3. Process Roles and Responsibilities:
Identify the roles and responsibilities of individuals or departments involved in each process, outlining
their responsibilities, authority, and interactions.
4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
Define the metrics and KPIs that measure the performance and effectiveness of each process,
allowing for monitoring and continuous improvement.
5. Process Pain Points and Challenges:
Identify the pain points, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies within the current processes that the
organization aims to address through the implementation of the ERP system.
6. Future State Processes:
Design the optimized processes that align with best practices and the capabilities of the ERP system.
This includes documenting any changes or improvements to be made, new process flows, and the
expected benefits.
7. Process Gap Analysis:
Analyze the gaps between the current state and future state processes, highlighting the areas where
the ERP system will bring improvements and where customization or configuration may be required.
The purpose of this document is to provide clarity on the support structure, escalation paths, and
responsibilities within the ERP system support framework. It serves as a reference for both the
support teams and end-users to understand who to contact for specific types of support and the
scope of each support group’s responsibilities.
A well-defined Support Groups and Their Areas of Responsibility document typically includes the
following components:
The purpose of this document is to identify the integration points and requirements, both within
the organization’s internal systems and with external systems or partners. It serves as a reference
for the integration team, stakeholders, and technical personnel involved in configuring and
implementing the integrations.
A well-prepared Internal and External Integrations document typically includes the following
components:
The purpose of this document is to demonstrate the organization’s commitment to data security
and privacy and to provide guidelines for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability
of data within the ERP system. It helps establish trust with stakeholders and ensures compliance
with applicable laws and regulations related to data protection.
A well-prepared Security and Privacy Practices document typically includes the following
components:
1. Customization Objectives:
Clearly state the objectives and expected outcomes of the customization efforts. This may include
improving specific business processes, enhancing user experience, integrating with external systems,
or implementing unique features.
2. Customization Scope:
Define the scope of the customizations, specifying which modules, functionalities, or specific areas of
the ERP system require customization. This helps in prioritizing customization efforts and focusing on
critical areas.
3. Customization Specifications:
Provide detailed specifications for each customization requirement. This includes documenting the
desired changes, new features, user interface modifications, workflow enhancements, reports, or any
other specific customizations needed.
4. Data Customization:
Identify any specific data requirements or modifications needed within the ERP system. This may
include data fields, data structures, data validation rules, or data migration requirements.
5. Integration Requirements:
Specify any integration requirements with external systems or third-party applications that need to
be customized or developed. This could involve defining the data exchange formats, APIs, or
communication protocols.
6. Security and Access Control:
Define any specific security requirements or access control rules that need to be customized within
the ERP system. This may include user roles, permissions, data segregation, or multi-level approval
processes.
7. User Interface and User Experience:
Document any specific expectations for the user interface design, layout, navigation, or usability
enhancements required to improve the user experience within the ERP system.
8. Reporting and Analytics:
Specify any custom reporting or analytics requirements, including the specific data elements, key
performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, or advanced analytics functionalities needed.
9. Change Management:
Address the change management aspects of the customizations, including communication plans,
user training requirements, and strategies for user adoption and acceptance of the customized ERP
system.
A well-prepared Data Management Needs and Processes document typically includes the following
components:
Training program
You can assess how well each component of your training programme fits with the functions and
features of the new ERP solution by keeping a thorough record of it. List the supplies that
attendees of the training will receive, and keep track of how the in-person and online training
modules will progress. With this fundamental documentation in place, you’ll also find it simpler to
maintain an efficient refresher programme.
The purpose of the Training Program document is to define the training objectives, scope, content,
delivery methods, and timelines for the ERP system’s training initiatives. It helps in ensuring a
smooth transition to the new system, promoting user adoption, and facilitating the successful
implementation of the ERP system.
Data Analytics and Reporting: Address the processes and tools for data analytics and reporting
within the ERP system. This includes defining key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting
requirements, data visualization tools, and data analysis processes.
Data Documentation and Metadata Management: Document the processes and standards for data
documentation and metadata management within the ERP system. This includes data dictionaries,
data lineage, data models, and metadata management practices.
There might be additional documentation needed for particular projects in addition to these crucial
ones. For instance, if the Statement of Work (SOW) and the ERP system are integrated:
The SOW serves as the official contract between the client and the ERP vendor. The project’s scope,
deliverables, timeline, and budget should all be clearly stated. There will need to be documentation
that outlines the integration process with other systems.
The organisation can improve its chances of success by thoroughly documenting the ERP
implementation project. The documentation will aid in ensuring that everyone is operating from the
same set of guidelines, that the project is finished on schedule and within budget, and that the ERP
system satisfies business requirements.