With all the technology available to us, the speed of business is moving faster than ever. This can be a good thing when it comes to streamlined processes that get your products out to customers sooner, but rushing other things in business—such as new software implementation—could come at a cost.

Many companies want to speed up their ERP systems implementation timeline. They may be behind schedule in getting it moving, or just want it up and running faster than advised. A good project manager can help you find places in the timeline where you may be able to shave off a day here or there, but there’s one thing you should never sacrifice for the sake of speed: testing. Inadequate testing, whether your ERP project is big or small, can result in major problems.

When You Should Test ERP Systems

During an ERP implementation project, the team running it usually sets goals, interviews vendors, and chooses both software and vendor based on company needs. Depending on how complex the project is, several modules may need to be tied together with the new ERP system. Data from older systems may need to be transferred into the new system. Perhaps your group needs to request custom dashboards or reporting for special needs.

Each of these situations requires some additional time and work from the business software consulting vendor installing the ERP system. When the phase is complete, it’s time to make sure the system works as expected. Enter the testing phase, a vital part of an ERP implementation.

Testing can identify issues with data clarity or management, data feeding into reports, or other issues, especially with regards to customization. While most business software is very stable and reliable, customization should always be tested to ensure it is running perfectly. Make sure your test plan includes objectives, quality metrics, a comprehensive list of features to be tested, testing schedule and deliverables, bug tracking mechanisms, and acceptance criteria. Your business software consultant should be able to help you create a comprehensive test plan for the best outcomes.

Test Now to Save Time Later

When you work with a known software solution such as Sage 300cloud or SYSPRO, you have the advantage of having both a speedy installation and an accurate, proven software. Although each project may differ, an experienced business software consulting firm such as PositiveVision can spot potential problems, offer solutions, and thoroughly test to ensure a smooth rollout of your project. Speed and accuracy go hand in hand when you have the right company by your side.

If you sacrifice testing for speed, you risk landing yourself bigger problems than anticipated. It’s always smart to test new software, but especially smart to run extensive testing on customized software or software that must interact with different programs and platforms. Testing is an important part of any implementation project.

Schedule the Right Time

Don’t get stuck in a speed trap with your ERP systems implementation: Schedule ERP implementation for a slower time in your business cycle. By scheduling ERP implementation for a time when people aren’t distracted or when systems aren’t at their heaviest use, you’ll have more leeway for testing, taking some of the pressure off everyone involved in the project.

Business Software Consulting from PositiveVision

Choosing the right ERP system starts with choosing the right business software consulting firm. With a good vendor by your side, you’ll have a knowledgeable partner who can help you find the right software for your needs. For more than 15 years, PositiveVision has been helping clients streamline inefficient processes, grow revenue streams, and reduce costs to become more productive, competitive, and profitable. Find out how PositiveVision’s business software consulting can make a difference in your next ERP implementation. Contact us today.