Categorically, there are 3 major phases any Financial Management System (FMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project goes through – Pre-go live, Go-live, and Post-go-live.
While the first 2 phases are critical and need undivided attention, the importance of post-go-live support cannot be undermined.
In fact, in most cases, the post-go-live support determines the end result of your FMS/ERP project.
Here are some reasons why post-go-live support is essential:
1. To address any issues that arise
Your FMS/ERP project is not just an IT initiative; it’s a business change initiative.
Any business change initiative will have its share of teething challenges – process changes, people issues, data migration challenges and so on – after going live.
The key to addressing these challenges and ensuring the success of your project is good post-go-live support.
2. To ensure that the system is running smoothly
After your FMS or ERP project goes live, it is important to ensure that the system is running smoothly and as per expectations.
Post-go-live support will help you identify and resolve any performance issues. It will also help you optimise the system for better performance.
3. To make sure all users are trained and comfortable with the system
It’s better to choose an implementation partner that has training programs in place as part of their post-go-live support.
The reason for this is simple: even the most user-friendly system will need some training for the users to be able to use it effectively.
This can help with user adoption. If user adoption suffers, so will the success of your project.
4. To ensure the system is continuously improved
The best post-go-live support not only addresses issues and helps with smooth operations; it also looks for ways to continuously improve the system.
This could involve adding new features and functionality or making process improvements to make the system more efficient.
5. To provide ongoing support and maintenance
Your implementation partner should have a team of experienced consultants who can provide ongoing support and maintenance for the system.
This team should be available to address any issues that may arise and to make sure that the system is running smoothly.
This could include monitoring the performance of the system and taking corrective measures if required.
6. To ensure business continuity
In any FMS or ERP project, there is always a risk of business disruption during or after go-live.
This is because an FMS/ERP project involves a lot of change – changes in processes, technology, and people.
Good post-go-live support can help you address these risks and ensure business continuity.
Conclusion
Post-go-live support is essential for the success of your FMS/ERP project.
It helps you address any issues that may arise, ensures that the system is running smoothly, and makes sure that all users are trained and comfortable with the system.
It also helps you continuously improve the system and provides ongoing support and maintenance.
Equally, it helps you ensure business continuity.
Thus, when choosing an implementation partner, ensure they have a strong post-go-live support offering in place.
Need help with your FMS/ERP project?
Get in touch with us today to discuss how our financial management system can help you streamline your business processes.
Our team of experienced consultants can provide you with end-to-end support – from project management to implementation to post-go-live support.
