When it comes to ERP projects, success breeds success. As an IT consultant who has been successfully implementing these systems for years now and knows firsthand how complicated they can be (I’m not just talking about installing software), this blog post will provide 10 important things every successful project needs from start to finish:

1) Understanding your client’s business goals is key. It ensures the project meets their needs and becomes a priority in their mind, not just an expense to be paid.

2) An experienced project manager, who knows the ins and outs of ERP software. If they don’t have an in-depth understanding of these systems, then you are just throwing money away by hiring them.

3) A strong business analysis team with an intimate knowledge of how data flows through your client’s organization. They must understand each and every process, transaction, and flow of data and where your system can improve it.

4) A testing team that has the ability to identify where data is being lost, duplicated or misunderstood. Without this all-important step in your project, you are leaving it open to potential issues down the road when business users start using the system.

5) The right tools for testing. Make sure whatever solutions they have chosen

6) A strong network of related product specialists (SAP, PeopleSoft, etc.) who can provide the necessary knowledge to quickly resolve any system issues that arise during the project. They should be considered part of your team and be ready to help at a moment’s notice.

7) The ability to share information easily between your team members. Everyone should be on the same page, speaking the same “language” if you will.

8) Strong communication skills are a must-have. No one wants to feel out of the loop or that their voice isn’t being heard. Project managers need to keep their teams happy and feeling involved without getting bogged down in endless status meetings

9) Knowing what data/ reports are critical in achieving those objectives as well as when each should go live (i.e., what you’ll need for planning, what you’ll need for the strategy, etc.) are key elements of an ERP implementation. This will also ensure that all reports are tested while giving the business user time to review each new report before go-live.

10) Communication with customers, stakeholders, and the project team is integral to success! While more information you provide them may seem like a good idea, you really want to tailor the message that applies to their world. It helps ensure that they are prepared for whatever task may be coming up next if need be. These are just a few of the things every successful project needs.

Never forget why we’re doing all of this work… it’s for the customer! When you keep this in mind, people will be lining up to engage your services.