DECEMBER - JANUARYCIOAPPLICATIONSEUROPE.COM8IN MYOPINIONhrough this article, Jon explains the critical benefits of implementing a demo or Pilot phase in an ERP system before full-scale testing.Implementing a demo of an ERP system, or Pilot, before the testing phase in a project offers numerous significant benefits that ensure successful adoption and integration. Firstly, a demo helps mitigate risks by identifying potential problems early, thus reducing the likelihood of rework during testing. Often a system build moves straight into a testing phase which in a traditional methodology sits towards the second half of the lifecycle. In this way, any issues or gaps in the solution identified by users put significant pressure on the timeline and bring cost back into the project in the form of change requests post-configuration. Running one, or several, demo cycles, provides a preliminary assessment of how the ERP system will function in a real-world setting, allowing processes to be crystallised and outstanding decisions to be flushed out in a more controlled environment than UAT. From a cost-efficiency perspective, early detection of system flaws or inefficiencies during the demo prevents costly errors that might occur during UAT, or worse, make their way into full-scale deployment. This process aids in better estimating the total cost of full implementation by providing insights into possible changes of scope, and facilitating more accurate budget management, being proactive rather than reactive during testing. It also reduces costs and risk by employing fewer resources at an earlier stage than full-scale UAT, which typically includes more vendor and client resources at a greater burndown rate if an issue is discovered that halts progress.Performance validation is another crucial benefit. Demonstrating the ERP system in actual production-like conditions ensures it meets the required specifications and operational demands. It also assesses the system's capability to handle the specific data requirements of the process, ensuring accurate data collection and processing. Whilst a system demo will never replicate the volumes of transactions of a live environment, it determines if the system can scale efficiently to meet the demands of full production, ensuring it can handle increased volumes without performance degradation. Understanding resource requirements during the demo phase aids in planning for sufficient capacity and resources for full deployment.Engaging key stakeholders in the demo phase fosters buy-in and generates valuable feedback, improving the likelihood of successful adoption. Additionally, demos provide an opportunity to train staff and enhance user acceptance and competency across key stakeholders who can then be harnessed as ambassadors, to return to the wider community and help champion your Organisational Change Management. As long as the demo is well prepped so it runs smoothly, this can be a very powerful tool to drive the business acceptance of the new solution which occurs naturally, and at an earlier point in the lifecycle, than a more manufactured process later on.EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF PILOT AND CLIENT-LED PILOT PHASES IN ERP IMPLEMENTATIONTJON GREEN, PROGRAMME DIRECTOR ­ ERP, THE COMPLEAT FOOD GROUPJon Green is an experienced Programme Director and Interim Senior Delivery Consultant with a background in business transformation and ERP implementation. Jon has worked with various companies in the FMCG industry, including The Compleat Food Group, UpClear, Bernard Matthews. Jon's expertise in project management, finance, and systems implementation has been crucial in driving successful business initiatives.
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