Project - Align ERP Data Processing with the Working Business System

The Board of Directors required each department to be directly responsible for their ERP modules and projects. As I was directly responsible for the ERP system, but had no real visibility into any of the ERP projects being run, I suggested that the IT Manager become responsible for all relating ERP projects.  While my suggestion was not enacted, I worked with each department to help ensure their goals and objectives were met, and fostered communications between departments prior to and during project execution in an attempt to minimize conflicts and issues, and reduce customizations.  However, faults in the project management system were causing third-party ERP bolt-ons to suffer integration issues - leading to incompatibility issues between bolt-on applications, inefficient customizations, and inappropriate database integrations. As well, it was difficult to keep customizations aligned with current data processing requirements. Data was being duplicated, and in some cases data had become segmented in the database.

Goals:

• Help return the ERP back to core functionality by evaluating current working business procedures, working habits, data processing, and current information needs
• Increase data processing velocity while reducing errors and time spend on manual processes
• Ensure appropriate interdepartmental communications prior to, and during, project execution
• Append segmented data in database - eliminating duplicate data, and altering keys and fields as necessary

I worked with the appropriate department heads to re-evaluate the use of all of the current ERP modules and integrations that were common to the business, such as: virtual and physical warehouses, kits and assembled items, the use of safety stock and reserve inventory across the marketplaces and distribution network, Weee Fee collection (environmental handling fees), demand planning for main distribution warehouse, inventory serialization, and the use of engineering change notices. I worked with the Process Analyst in the review of all of the documented business processes, updating where necessary.  Through this we reduced the number of customizations, reduced project costs, simplified business procedures, reduced ERP data footprint, reduced screen complexities, and increased data processing velocity.