New Action Plan Saves Company from Derailed ERP Implementation
Taming the ERP Monster

Client
A national distributor of industrial electronics and components.

Issue
Budget overruns, excess modifications, scope creep and lower user confidence derailed a major ERP implementation. The situation was compounded by the absence of focused project management and dedicated, experienced internal I/T resources.

Newmarket's Role

• Re-assessed the project in a short period of time, bringing clarity and focus to a new action plan based on extensive real-world I/T experience.
   
• Acted as liaison between the user community and technical personnel to redefine the scope and specifics of the project.
   
• Managed all internal and vendor resources for the project and identified staffing needs.

Implementation

• Evaluated the project in process, reviewed system modifications already made, cancelled unnecessary changes, and rated and reprioritized proposed changes.
   
• Facilitated the process of "drawing a box around the project," establishing clear expectations with user and management community.
   
• Recruited necessary internal staff and appropriate external permanent and contract resources to complete the project.
   
• Created, maintained and tracked detailed project plan for the remainder of the project.
   
• Provided regular executive briefings on the project status and issues.
   
• Developed a post-implementation plan to prioritize and address potential future issues. 

Key Element: Focused project expertise, dedicated to project success.

• Process expertise: Newmarket provided "been-there-done-that" expertise not possible for most in-house departments.
   
• Distribution industry experience: Focused on the key business issues quickly.
    
• Business/technical qualifications: Understood the requirements of all stakeholders to function as a highly effective project liaison.

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