Welcome to the post-go-live era! You’ve crossed the finish line of ERP implementation. Congratulations! Your new system is live, and your team is getting started with it. Now you can sit back and relax, right?
Not so fast. The first 90 days post-implementation are just as crucial as the implementation itself. This is where the rubber meets the road, and your ERP either becomes the game-changing tool you envisioned or a source of frustration.
But don’t worry. By focusing on training, optimization and continuous improvement, you’ll turn this transitional period into a launchpad for long-term success. Let’s dive into what to expect and how to maximize your ERP from day one.
Phase 1: ERP System Stabilization
Training: The Learning Curve is Real
Even the most well-prepared teams will have questions. Sure, your employees went through pre-go-live training, but nothing beats hands-on experience. Expect initial resistance, a few head-scratching moments, and plenty of “Wait, how do I do that again?” emails.
Here’s how to smooth things out:
- Offer refresher training sessions based on real user experiences.
- Set up an FAQ document that evolves as new questions arise.
- Make sure your team knows who to contact for help.
Doozy’s Customer Success Center offers a robust library of knowledge base articles, troubleshooting guides and how-to videos. Our dedicated support team can assist with challenges that arise, ensuring your team feels confident using the new system.
Watching the System Like a Hawk
Your ERP system is up and running, but is it running well? This is the time to be hyper-vigilant about performance. Slow load times, integration hiccups or data inconsistencies can cause serious headaches if left unchecked.
Here’s what to watch:
- Monitor system response times and data processing speeds.
- Check integrations with third-party tools.
- Keep an eye on potential data discrepancies from migration.
Doozy provides proactive monitoring tools that track system performance, flag potential slowdowns, and proactively identify integration issues before they impact operations. Our experts continuously assess system health, ensuring your beverage ERP runs efficiently and without disruptions, so you can catch and fix issues before they escalate.
Gathering (and Acting on) User Feedback
Your employees are the ones using this system every day. If something isn’t working well, they’ll let you know — either through direct feedback or by finding workarounds that could undermine the system’s efficiency.
Encourage open communication by:
- Holding weekly check-ins with department leads.
- Setting up an easy way for users to submit feedback.
- Reviewing early feedback with IT and project managers to prioritize improvements.
Phase 2: Refining Your System & Processes
Fixing the Bugs and Unfinished Business
No ERP implementation is completely finished at cutover. There are always a few lingering to-dos pushed out or small fixes that didn’t seem critical at the time. Now’s the time to tackle them.
Optimize your system by:
- Revisiting your go-live punch list and prioritizing outstanding issues.
- Meeting with key stakeholders to ensure nothing critical was overlooked.
- Assigning owners and deadlines to post-implementation tasks.
Automating Processes to Make Life Easier
A significant benefit of an ERP system is automation — but are you using it to its full potential? Many companies initially focus on basic functions and only later realize how much time they can save by automating workflows.
Now’s the time to:
- Automate routine inventory management tasks.
- Streamline order processing workflows.
- Set up automated financial reporting to reduce manual data entry.
Tracking KPIs Like a Pro
Your beverage ERP system wasn’t implemented just for kicks — it’s meant to improve efficiency. But you won’t know if it’s working unless you track performance metrics.
Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your business goals, such as:
- Order fulfillment time reduction
- Inventory accuracy rates
- Cost savings from process optimization and automation
Doozy Think Tank provides you with ERP specialists who analyze key performance metrics, identify optimization opportunities, and provide data-driven insights to help you maximize efficiency. Our guided sessions offer hands-on expertise to help you continuously refine and improve your ERP system.
Phase 3: Growth & Continuous Improvement
Winning Over the Last Skeptics
Change is hard. Most employees will have settled into the new system by now, but some may still be resistant. The key to full adoption? Continued engagement.
Keep your team engaged with your new ERP by:
- Encouraging webinar attendance and ongoing training to learn new tips and best practices.
- Creating internal “ERP Champions” — team members who can reinforce system adoption.
- Providing ongoing training tailored to specific roles.
Expanding ERP Capabilities
Your ERP is a platform, not just a tool. Once the basics are running smoothly, it’s time to explore additional features to support your business journey, including:
- Advanced analytics and AI-driven business intelligence
- WMS and MRP
- Sustainability monitoring and measurement
Planning for the Future
Success isn’t just about surviving the first 90 days — it’s about setting the stage for long-term value.
Work with your team to:
- Schedule quarterly ERP review meetings.
- Stay on top of system updates and enhancements.
- Identify new business needs that require additional configurations.
Doozy’s staged implementation approach, long-term support and customer success strategy include personalized consultations, roadmap development and system health checks to ensure your beverage ERP evolves with your business. We help you stay ahead of industry trends, implement best practices, and continuously enhance system capabilities to meet your changing needs.
Celebrating Wins — Big and Small
Implementing a beverage ERP system is a massive accomplishment. Take time to celebrate.
Be sure to:
- Recognize employees who adapted quickly and helped others.
- Highlight measurable improvements (like faster order processing or cost savings).
- Reinforce the company’s commitment to making the ERP work for everyone.
Your ERP Journey is Just Beginning
ERP implementation is never truly “finished.” It’s an ongoing process of refinement, improvement and adaptation. The first 90 days determine how successfully your team adopts the system and how much value you get from it.
By focusing on training, enhancement and continuous improvement, you’ll set the stage for long-term success. And with Doozy’s ongoing support, education and optimization services, you’ll never have to navigate the post-go-live phase alone.
Want to ensure that your ERP investment continues to deliver results? Contact our team, and let’s keep the momentum going!
