KPMG pushes need for ERP speed

Many companies could still benefit more from rapid implementation methodologies designed to ensure the benefits of packaged softwares are realised quickly, according to KPMG Consulting.

Mike Greenwood, partner responsible for Oracle applications at KPMG claimed that many organisations risk reducing the impact of packaged solutions because of their reluctance to break free from costly and lengthy implementation projects. Although many companies realise that there is a need for speed in implementing packages, many don’t realise that consultancies and vendors are best placed to do this, he argued

Speaking at a conference in Birmingham, Greenwood explained: “Many companies are considering enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems as a means to address business imperatives such as globalisation … But, if implementation is approached in the traditional way expectations are likely to be disappointed.

Many organisations are also being forced to implement a new packaged software solutions to cope with immovable deadlines such as Year 2000 or the euro. A lengthy implementation process may result in the deadline being missed, leaving one of the expected benefits of the project unfulfilled.”