What are the best ways to incorporate ERP standards?

1 Assess your needs and goals

Before you adopt any ERP standard, you need to assess your current situation and identify your specific needs and goals. What are the main challenges and opportunities that you face in your business processes? What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that you want to improve with your ERP system? How do you measure and monitor your progress and results? By answering these questions, you can determine which ERP standards are relevant and suitable for your organization.

2 Choose a suitable ERP standard

There are many ERP standards available, each with its own scope, features, and requirements. Some of the most common and widely used ERP standards are ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 20000, COBIT, ITIL, and APICS. Depending on your industry, region, and organization, you may need to comply with one or more of these standards. You should choose an ERP standard that aligns with your needs and goals, as well as the regulations and expectations of your stakeholders.

3 Implement the ERP standard

Once you have chosen an ERP standard, you need to implement it in your ERP system. This involves following the steps and procedures specified by the standard, such as planning, designing, developing, testing, deploying, operating, and maintaining your ERP system. You also need to document and report your activities and outcomes according to the standard. You may need to consult with experts, auditors, or consultants to help you implement the ERP standard effectively and efficiently.

4 Train your staff and users

Another important way to incorporate ERP standards is to train your staff and users on how to use and benefit from your ERP system. You need to ensure that they understand the purpose, features, and functions of your ERP system, as well as the roles and responsibilities that they have under the ERP standard. You should also provide them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to perform their tasks and solve their problems with your ERP system. Training can be done through various methods, such as workshops, webinars, manuals, or online courses.

5 Monitor and evaluate your ERP system

Finally, you need to monitor and evaluate your ERP system regularly to ensure that it meets the requirements and expectations of your ERP standard. You should collect and analyze data and feedback from your ERP system, such as performance metrics, user satisfaction, error rates, and security incidents. You should also compare your results with your goals and benchmarks, and identify any gaps or areas for improvement. You should also conduct periodic audits and reviews to verify and validate your compliance with your ERP standard.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?