Key to a successful ERP implementation: Choosing the right implementation partner

The success of any ERP implementation is impacted by multiple decisions made during a project. One of those key decisions is the choice of an implementation partner. Investing in an organization that you can trust and regard as an extension of your team is not always easy to achieve. In many cases, organizations take a leap of faith when they choose to invest in any partner organization.

Taking steps to mitigate the risk of this decision can reduce the possibility of having to switch partners midway through a project. Switching implementation partners will result in added costs, project delays, and frustration for all those involved.

Prior to vetting a potential partner, a review of at least two customer references is advised. Exploring the following attributes is recommended during this partner review process:

• Will they be considered an extension of your team?
• Do they have structured processes for project management?
• Do you trust them with your critical business systems?
• Will they be accountable for the success of the implementation?
• Will they empower your employees to be self-sufficient?
• Will they be flexible as your organization goes through inevitable change?
• Do they have the deep technical and product expertise to guide you through this digital transformation era?

Two of Western Computers’ clients, aden + anais and American Ring, share their thoughts on how Western Computer continually demonstrates these values and provides insight on how their relationship with Western Computer has impacted their business success.

Western Computer is aden+anais’s primary Dynamics NAV partner, across 5 Dynamics NAV entities around the world.

“Western Computer is a vital extension of the aden + anais team, which is such a rare quality to have in a vendor. Dynamics NAV is the heartbeat of our organization and Western Computer constantly demonstrates taking ownership and accountability of our end-to-end implementation, whether it’s with Dynamics NAV or an ISV solution,” says Sue Sabatino, Senior VP of Global Strategic Initiatives at aden + anais.

Working with a partner who continually analyzes and listens to the client’s needs will ensure that the involvement of the partner in the ERP solution is tailored to the client’s requirements. Western Computer’s Annual Review process is a mandatory rhythm of their ERP implementation business, which ensures that these insights are never missed and not actioned.

Upgrading an ERP solution is a significant investment for any organization. However, the benefits of having the latest technology platform to drive the new business processes required for the digital age is key to success.

“Dynamics NAV is our lifeblood. We knew we were about to make a significant CAPEX investment in upgrading Dynamics NAV. Before making this investment, we wanted to make sure we invested with the right implementation partner. We chose Western Computer for all their deep expertise across both industry and functional areas.” says Bridget Burner, Material Management at American Ring.

American Ring has felt empowered by their partnership with Western Computer. Being an organization with a very hands-on approach, American Ring wanted their own expertise in-house. With so many various systems and customer requirements of their own, they knew that they needed to be the experts on their business, and needed Western Computer to be the experts on the software. Western Computer continues to support American Ring in investing in their NAV user training and to leverage the resources available from both Microsoft, such as the Customer Source online information portal, and the NAV User Group community.

Western Computer has a dedicated account manager approach and is uniquely positioned in offering Annual Business Reviews to all of their clients; contact our team of Microsoft Dynamics experts if you need help getting started.

About aden + anais

aden + anais is a global infant clothing and products company with a well-known brand that mothers across the world will instantly recognize when thinking about the first few years of their infant’s life.

About American Ring

American Ring manufactures and supplies retaining rings, snap rings, and Belleville disc springs. They are a family company committed to quality and service, providing their customers with true solutions. American Ring prides themselves on delivering service that is unmatched in the industry.