Why continual improvement matters
During the ERP implementation phase, businesses maintain and protect their current processes while upgrading to a more efficient system. Often this approach involves maintaining legacy techniques to avoid the challenge of reengineering business processes. Maintenance is an implementation reality, but this approach might fail to capture the new system’s full capabilities. As the go-live date approaches, nice-to-haves could be sent to a backlog despite adding quantifiable return on investment.
Imagine changing the oil only when a car sputters out and overheats on the side of the highway. Addressing maintenance issues in a moment of panic takes more time and money than a timely oil change, and it is an inefficient way to get the most out of car ownership. Like regular oil changes, continual improvement is a critical step for ERP use. Unfortunately, ERP systems can’t be dropped off at the local garage and be ready later that afternoon. Deliberate system improvements can yield responsive solutions to a changing business environment.
Some businesses wait for an emergency to update their systems, while others treat updates like special events: maybe once a year and only if necessary. High-performing businesses view improvements as day-to-day business operations.
Improvement is crucial for optimal performance and alignment with an organization’s evolving needs. Neglecting these needs can lead to a higher total cost of system ownership than would otherwise be required. Even worse, without continual improvement, processes can become outdated or incompatible with current customers, vendors, employees, or regulatory needs.
Continual system improvements help garner more value from the system on a regular, predictable basis. These more consistent improvements help businesses stay agile and responsive, increase efficiency, and enhance the end-user experience.
