There is a big push by the ERP vendors to convince their clients to migrate their on-premise software to the cloud. The vendors have selfish reasons to promote the cloud, but they also give compelling reasons to their clients to do it. There is resistance if everything now is mostly working and it’s going to cost a lot to do it. This article is not going to try and convince you to go to the cloud as there are more than enough reasons already in the public domain. From our perspective, it’s only a matter of time before you jump on the cloud bandwagon. This article is about getting ready for the inevitable jump.
1.Contract Negotiation
Unfortunately, you need to re-read the fine print especially about cost of licenses in the future. A 6% increase in each subsequent year will add up quickly so you should negotiate a freeze for several years and a lower % increase. Also ensure that you will be using all the modules if the vendor prices their system by module. You could also request a delayed start in paying licenses until you are ready to go-live. During the implementation process, you only need enough licenses for the implementation team and not the entire company.
2.Customizations
If there are customizations in your ERP on-premise software, you should consider whether the customizations are still needed. If so, you will need to identify each customization and get a quote from the vendor to redo it or migrate it to the cloud.
3.Data
There will likely be data format changes, and you will unfortunately need to get your data cleaned up for the cloud migration. Check for duplicates and purge old data no longer needed.
4.Business Process Design
Now is the time to rethink your processes as you may be able to take advantage of new features on the cloud and improve your business processes in your current on-premise software.
5.Training
Your team will need to be trained all over again, but it will be a lot easier this time around.
6.Testing
Remember how much fun you had when you implemented the software. Hopefully you have retained your test script.
7.Project Management
This is a big project, and you better have a good project manager in the cockpit as you make your way to the clouds.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or are looking for some guidance to the clouds