Why an AS-IS analysis is important for ERP implementations

ERP implementations are complex processes that can have a major impact on an organization. To ensure that an ERP implementation is successful, it is important to understand the needs of the organization and how a new system will impact business processes.

An AS-IS analysis is a process of documenting how an organization works today. This information can be used to identify needs, develop requirements, and choose the right ERP system.

Three reasons why an AS-IS analysis is important:

First: To understand the business needs.

An AS-IS analysis is the first step in understanding the needs of an organization. By documenting how the organization works today, you can identify:

  • Processes that are inefficient or costly
  • Potential improvements
  • Requirements for a new ERP system

Secound: First step in the organizational change project:

An AS-IS analysis is also the first step in the organizational change project. By involving key people in the organization in documenting business processes, you can create engagement and support for the change.

Third: Make the selection process easier:

An AS-IS analysis can make the selection process for an ERP system easier. By having a thorough understanding of how the organization works today, you can develop more specific and realistic requirements. This can help to avoid buying the wrong system and delays.

Conclusion:

An AS-IS analysis is an essential step in any ERP implementation. By understanding how the organization works today, you can ensure that a new system meets the needs and succeeds with the organizational change project.

Additional tips for conducting an AS-IS analysis:

  • Involve key people from across the organization in the process.
  • Use a structured approach to document business processes.
  • Gather data from both internal and external sources.
  • Validate the results with key people in the organization.

Here are some specific questions that can be asked in an AS-IS analysis:

  • What business processes exist in the organization?
  • How do these processes work today?
  • Who is involved in the processes?
  • What data and information are used in the processes?
  • How is success for the processes measured?

By answering these questions, you can gain a thorough understanding of how an organization works today. This information can be used to ensure that a new ERP system meets the needs and succeeds with the organizational change project.