ERP project management is key to a successful enterprise software implementation. Inadequate project management has played a major role in failed implementations. A qualified, dedicated project manager is rule number one for a successful ERP implementation.
Masterkey recommends the establishment of a project management office (PMO). The PMO should be staffed with experienced ERP project managers. The role requires full-time management. A PMO can include multiple team members as long as responsibilities are clearly defined.The PMO is responsible for managing the resources and the plan. The PMO will report directly to an executive steering committee. The project team – both vendor and client – report to the PMO. The team members are responsible for completing their tasks according to the plan.The following are characteristics of a good project manager:
• Previous experience managing projects
• Respect of organization
• Ability to lead
• Demands satisfactory performance from the team, both client and vendor
• Understands the entire range of processes
Masterkey can often supplement client resources with the execution of PMO duties.
Masterkey’s ERP Project Management Resources
All consultants at Masterkey are skilled, experienced ERP implementation project managers. We can assist our clients with any of the following capacities:
Project Manager
One of our esteemed consultants can fill the position of Project Manager. In this position, Masterkey will manage your staff and the ERP software vendors to achieve an on-time, on-budget implementation. The Masterkey resource assigned to your project will be on-site 100% of the time. Masterkey’s clients in the past have requested this service once they find they do not have a manager within their company they can assign to this role.
Project Manager Assistant
An Masterkey consultant or partner can fill the position of Project Manager Assistant. In this role, the Masterkey resource will assist the client project manager with the enterprise project management duties. The Masterkey Consultant will be on site one to three days per week. Time requirements will vary based on how much time the client manager can devote to the project. Our clients request this service when they have an internal manager, but the individual cannot devote 100%, and therefore needs an experienced assistant.
Business Team Leader
An Masterkey consultant can fill the position of business team leader. Each ERP project requires several functional team leaders. One example is a financial team leader. This individual leads the client staff through the implementation process. The Masterkey Consultant will be on site three to four days per week. Clients request this service when they do not have an individual that has the time or the ability to lead a functional team.
Steering Committee Advisor
An Masterkey consultant or partner can fill this position. In this role, Masterkey provides advice and counsel to the project steering committee and project team throughout the project. The Masterkey Consultant or Partner will be on site two to four days per month. Clients request this service when they have qualified a project manager, but want to maintain Masterkey’s experience and knowledge into the implementation. The following make up Masterkey’s project management services:
• Project planning
• Organizing roles and responsibilities
• Scheduling
• Reporting requirements
• ERP data conversion plans
• Communication and reporting
• Weekly meeting management
• Issues log
• Project budget
• Project reports
• Steering committee meetings
• Project monitoring
• Issue resolution
• Budget
• Vendor performance
• Core team performance
Masterkey’s ERP project management services do not displace the vendor project manager, nor does the vendor project manager displace the need for an Masterkey or Client project manager. Masterkey’s services are designed to support the client’s responsibilities throughout the implementation.