The implementation of a new business management system such as Microsoft Dynamics GP or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is always a period of transition and upheaval. It’s important to identify the right time for your go-live in order to minimize the impact on your users and operations. But the reality is, there’s never a perfect time to go live. It inevitably involves some challenges, and it’s important to make time for any possible delays in the days and weeks that will follow.
So, how do you choose the best time for your go-live?
What to keep in mind before going live with your new ERP system?
The implementation of a new business management system always involves some change management. Not only there might some momentary interruptions while minor fixes and adjustments are brought to the system, but your users need to get used to the new processes and interface. Planning for any potential delays and providing enough time for training has to be a priority during any new system implementation.
As such, it’s important to find a time when the implementation can be everyone’s focus. It may be tempting to choose summer, but many people are on vacation so that may not be the best time either. The resources involved in the project need to be available and have enough time to complete the tasks required of them.
As it will be a user-intensive process, consulting a change management specialist may be a good idea if you’re unsure of how to proceed. Following change management best practices will let you minimize the impact of the implementation on your current operations and optimize the adoption of your new system by your users.
Should your go-live align with the end of your financial year?
It’s a widespread belief that your go-live should align with your financial year-end. While there is some merit to the idea (all your transactions and reporting will be in one system before you migrate), it may not be the most advisable time for your go-live. The fiscal year end is generally a busy time requiring extra work and attention from your employees in the finance department, as they will be busy closing the year and entertaining auditors.
Moreover, if your financial year-end coincides with the end of the calendar year, then it’s highly likely the holidays will take up even more of your employees’ time. That said, period end is generally a good time for a go-live, as it will let you close the period in your legacy system, then complete the data migration in the new one.
In short, it may be easier to determine when not to go-live. It should be all about minimizing the impact on your current operations and employees. As always, it’s better not to rush it, and instead take the time and care needed to get it right the first time. This will save you both time and money in the long run. We also recommend getting in touch with your implementation partner or with a change management consultant to get a better idea of how to implement a new system with the least amount of disruption.
By JOVACO Solutions,
