LINKFRESH's John Lischefska Discusses ERP Implementation
ATLANTA, GA - Effective supply chain management is paramount for produce industry success. A grower can pluck the perfect apple, but without an efficient path from farm to table, its promise may be squandered and lost.
This is where an efficient enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is critical–but with so many options and complex technical aspects, there is a monstrous barrier-to-entry which needs to be hurdled before a company upgrades or converts. John Lischefska, LINKFRESH’s Director of Business Development, joined AndNowUKnow to discuss how to justify the case and get executive buy-in, along with proper implementation strategies. LINKFRESH ERP provides food supply chain software that gives real-time insight into traceability, food safety and compliance–all from a single point of reference.
“It’s critical to remember that there is varied interest across the different camps of people. Daily users who perform basic business functions, mid-level users who use an ERP tactically, then higher level managers who want a 10,000-foot view for how it fits with strategic initiatives,” Lischefska explained. “To get executive buy-in, you need to demonstrate how it would work at all levels of the company.”
But once there is buy-in, a poorly implemented ERP system can cost a company serious business, which means that a game plan for roll out is critical.
According to Lischefska, there are three common approaches to an ERP roll out:
- Big bang. The ERP system is implemented across all divisions at once.
- Staged approach. The ERP system is piloted in one department and the findings are used to make adjustments before rolling out company wide.
- Parallel operation. The system is run offline parallel to the existing system, with outputs and results compared for accuracy. Once the offline system is accurate, it is then rolled out in one of the previously mentioned methods.
“A high quality ERP will come with professionals who assist in the implementation and offer ongoing support; and who know how to keep the company engaged. Users need to understand what’s in it for them,” added Lischefska.
The company, whose platform is Microsoft Dynamics compatible, encourages companies considering changes to their ERP to work with professionals. Lischefska also adds that finding an ERP which caters to your specific product, such as perishables, is essential for success.
