One of the ways to propel the implementation of the system is through the establishment of a plan. The plan should include the risk factors of the enterprise system and its benefits. Drawing up an idea is not enough. It has to be followed by an implementation plan that focuses on why the idea should be incorporated into the company. The idea, in addition, should have a proper estimate of costs, tools and the equipment that will be needed. Individuals should ensure that there is the availability of tools for implementation to reduce stumbling blocks (Lager, 2011). The requirements for implementation should include the personnel that will be required for the effectiveness of Enterprise system. Furthermore, it should contain optional escape routes in case it does not work. The systems in place should be able to support a second option. The ideas need to have a backup plan, which should be stipulated in the plan.
The evaluation process is another step towards implementation. The process covers both the plan and the company. One needs to evaluate the framework of the company and establish the loopholes that will be deterrent to the function of the Enterprise system. The organization needs to be ready to accept the idea for it to achieve its full function. Once loopholes have been established, they give way to amendments that can ensure successful implementation (Bedell-Avers, Hunter, Mumford & ebrary, 2008). In addition, the evaluation process helps to give a fair assessment of the idea. In addition, it leads to the adoption of strategies that will facilitate the implementation of an idea. In the evaluation process, the company will be able to determine the relationship between the vendor and the system, in an effort to ensure compatibility.
Enterprise system implementation should consider top management in the implementation process. The management should understand what IT is capable of doing and be aware of its limits. The process is a part of the efforts company put towards innovation, which incorporates a big part of the implementation process (Grover & Kettinger, 2000). Through the involvement of top management, all aspects of Enterprise System will be reviewed and prepared for implementation, which will make the process easier. The challenges are recognized and sorted. Furthermore, they need to facilitate the training of personnel and prepare them to receive the idea.
The Enterprise system will be useless if it is not put to use. Establishing the necessary support and networking system will lead to the successful implementation of the idea (Zhao & Thomson Gale Firm, 2006). A company is more likely to put effort into the implementation process when an idea has a wide range of supporters. The support system includes stakeholders, the employees, and relevant departmental heads. In addition, the support system includes external forces such as customers. Many companies have had proposals for brilliant ideas that never become implemented. The underlying reason is the lack of a proper support network for the idea. The company needs to be sure the idea will work before a lot of resources are spent on implementing it. Having a support system of reputable individuals is important in the process of successful implementation in Caterpillar Inc.
Success in the implementation process is not something that can be achieved immediately. It takes time for the organizational structures to adjust to the new concept. The process of success, therefore, is dynamic and so is the measurement. A good way to determine success is through the revisiting of the objectives of the idea (Lambert, 2008). The objectives would have been arranged in a chronological manner during the implementation process. If the objectives have been achieved, then the idea can be deemed to have been successful. In addition, positive feedback from the employees and the management will shed light on the success of the implementation process. Continuous positive feedback will prove that the idea was successful. Through the communication means available, I will be able to know if the implementation process succeeded.
The implementation of the above factors can be done after the proposal for the idea has been presented, and management has accepted the system. After the personnel have been trained and the necessary changes with regard to leadership and management have been made, the product can be implemented.
References
Zhao, F. & Thomson Gale (Firm). (2006). Entrepreneurship and innovations in e-business: An integrative perspective. Farmington Hills, Mitch: Thomson Gale.
Grover, V., & Kettinger, W. J. (2000). Process think: Winning perspectives for business change in the information age. Hershey, Pa. [u.a.: Idea Group Pub.
Lager, T. (2011). Managing process innovation: From idea generation to implementation. London: Imperial College Press.
Bedell-Avers, K. E., Hunter, S. T., Mumford, M. D., & ebrary, Inc. (2008). Multi-level issues in creativity and innovation. Amsterdam: Elsevier JAI.
Lambert, D. M. (2008). Supply chain management: Processes, partnerships, performance. Sarasota, Fla: Supply Chain Management Institute.
