A Mid-size Pharmaceutical Company Migrates To An ERP-BASED Client Server System

a. Three major aspects to consider while carrying out this ERP implementation: 1. Business Process Analysis and Redesign: Before implementing the ERP system, the company should conduct a thorough analysis of their existing business processes to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and areas for improvement. This can help in redesigning and optimizing the processes to align with the ERP software's best practices, ultimately leading to more effective operations. 2. Change Management: Transitioning from client-server applications to an ERP system requires a significant shift in the way employees work and interact with technology. It's crucial to develop and implement a comprehensive change management plan that includes training and support for staff, clear communication about the reasons for the change, and reassurances that the ERP system will benefit employees and the organization. 3. Integration and Data Migration: Integrating the ERP software with the existing IT infrastructure is a critical aspect of successful implementation. Ensure that the ERP system is compatible with the current hardware, software, and network setup. Additionally, a detailed plan for data migration needs to be established, involving identification of data sources, mapping of data fields, and validation of the transferred data for accuracy post-migration. b. Three major risk factors to consider during this ERP migration: 1. Cost Overruns and Project Delays: Implementing an ERP system can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Unexpected technical challenges, scope creep, and inadequate resource allocation can lead to cost overruns and project delays. To mitigate these risks, establish a well-defined project scope, timeline, and budget, along with a robust project management process that can identify potential issues early and enable adjustments as needed. 2. Inadequate User Adoption: An ERP system's success heavily relies on how well employees adopt and use it. Resistance to change, lack of proper training, or an inadequately designed user interface can hinder user adoption. Address these risks by thoroughly understanding user requirements, providing ongoing training and support, and involving end-users in the design and testing phases to ensure a smooth transition. 3. Loss of Data or Compromised Data Integrity: Data migration is a complex process that comes with the risk of data loss or corruption. Errors during data conversion, improper handling of data, and software bugs can compromise data integrity, causing disruptions to business operations and potential financial losses. To mitigate this risk, perform multiple test migrations before the final data transfer, validate and reconcile the migrated data for accuracy, and establish a comprehensive backup and recovery plan.