THE ABCS OF IMPLEMENTATION

Let’s look at the ABCs of implementing Enterprise Resource Planning.
The concept is derived from the basic ABC approach to inventory
control, in turn derived from Pareto’s law. In that technique, the
A items are considered very significant, costly, important, etc.
Hence, they deserve the most attention and the most careful planning
and control. The B items are of less significance than the A
items, and, hence, less time is devoted to each of them. The C items,
while essential, are of least overall significance and are given proportionate
attention.
This ABC approach, applied to implementation, states that Item
C is the computer, both the hardware and software. It’s essential since
ERP can’t be done manually, but it’s of lesser significance overall
than the other elements.
Item B is the data: the inventory records, the bills of material, the
routings, etc. They are more significant and require more of the company’s
overall attention and managerial emphasis.
Item A is the people, the most important element in making it happen.
If the people part of the implementation process is managed
properly, the people will understand the objectives and how to get
16 ERP: M I H
there. They’ll take care of getting and keeping the data accurate.
They won’t allow the “computer tail” to wag the “company dog,” as
has been the case far too often. People are the key.