Want to transition from Legacy to Cloud ERP? You have three options to get you there.
No matter where you are on the spectrum of moving from legacy to Cloud ERP, Rootstock Software can help you get to your goals faster, at a lower cost, and with fewer risks.
Anyone still running an on-premises ERP application knows legacy ERP applications obstruct efforts to modernize and digitally transform, especially if you manufacture, distribute or service tangible goods with complex supply chains and extensive manufacturing operations.
Normally, you wouldn’t hesitate to replace a system with legacy ERP’s mounting costs, technical obsolescence, and lack of flexibility. But ERP is mission-critical. Any disruption has serious consequences. You want to be cautious about how fast you move, and smart about devoting your resources to the transition project.
Rootstock offers three ERP implementation methods to help you migrate to Cloud ERP. Your business circumstances and desired approach will drive your choice.
ERP Implementation Strategies Explained
1. Integrate Legacy ERP Data with Salesforce CRM
One ERP implementation strategy is to integrate legacy ERP data with a CRM such as Salesforce. This method is considered to be the least risky because you can revert back to the legacy system if any problems come up. This strategy can be a costly approach because it requires more organizational resources to continuously run two systems at the same time. Additionally, the risk of duplicate manual entry is also higher. However, this ERP implementation method is a great option if your company wants to minimize business disruptions as much as possible and continue to run mission-critical functions that must always be on.
Rootstock’s ERP Data Framework enables this option, letting you populate legacy ERP information on the Salesforce platform to increase the visibility of ERP information to Salesforce users. The business process remains on the legacy ERP system. Only the data is transferred.
The ERP Data Framework is a collection of preset ERP data objects that resides on the Salesforce Platform. It eliminates the need to define custom ERP objects that match the fields and tables of your legacy ERP system. You can easily populate it through Rootstock’s API, using Mulesoft, Jitterbit, or your integration tool of choice. Installation wizards speed up the installation process. Mapping data from your legacy system is greatly simplified, so integration happens faster. And once the ERP Data Framework is populated, Salesforce users get a complete 360° view of customers and ERP information such as inventory, production schedules, costing, invoices, returns, and other data.
2. Move a Business or Process Unit to Rootstock Cloud ERP (Known as Two-Tier ERP)
Another ERP implementation strategy is to take a more incremental approach by migrating a business unit to Cloud ERP. For example, you can move a special operation to the cloud quickly and not be delayed by a broader transition. In this two-tiered ERP approach, the special operation using Rootstock ERP is also connected to the corporate legacy system. Two-tiered ERP can be implemented in two ways, by process or business unit.
The “process-based” two-tiered ERP approach allows you to move some processes into the Salesforce cloud alongside CRM. Rootstock is designed in a modular manner, so it easily supports this. You might consider this a good fit if you want to improve customer service or customer-facing operations that tightly involve CRM and ERP. For instance, you can move inventory management to the cloud to access inventory and available-to-promise information within Salesforce CRM and CPQ.
If you use Salesforce Field Service, you can create a specialized parts inventory system, apart from a corporate system, completely integrated with FSL at the field level. In both cases, Rootstock ERP integrates with the existing ERP system where appropriate.
Another option for a two-tiered ERP deployment strategy is to move a specialized business unit fully onto the cloud using Rootstock ERP and manage it as a relatively self-contained operation; sales, manufacturing, distribution, supply chain, and financial management on one cloud. Rootstock periodically feeds financial data to the parent company’s ERP system for consolidation and corporate reporting. Consider this if you need a more agile ERP system in some business units or have units that don’t align with your company’s current legacy system.
3. Fully replace ERP with Rootstock Cloud ERP on the Salesforce Platform
The best ERP implementation strategy is to completely replace your legacy ERP with a modern ERP system such as Rootstock Cloud ERP. You can transition to Cloud ERP all at once or rollout each module in phases. Rootstock Cloud ERP software allows your enterprise to get a 360° view of all business areas, including sales order management, inventory, shop floor control, and engineering, to supply chain and financial management.
Avoid the difficult and risky exercise of integrating CRM and ERP. Rootstock ERP “snaps in” to the same cloud environment as Salesforce CRM, simplifying cross-functional workflows, business processes, and reporting. With Rootstock ERP and Salesforce CRM, you’ll enjoy one source of information, including a 360° view of customers. More efficient processes will span your front and back offices.
Leverage the Salesforce skills you have. Rootstock uses the Salesforce CRM cloud administrative tool set, so all your experience managing users, setting up workflows, building dashboards, and working with platform development and integration tools applies. And while some modern manufacturing skills are in short supply, there is a huge pool of Salesforce talent available to supplement your team.
“Clicks not code” saves time and pain. This method of configuring Rootstock ERP and the platform eliminates the difficult and time-consuming configuration issues legacy ERP is known for. It puts more capability in the hands of business users and less onus on IT.
Choose the Right ERP Implementation Strategy with Rootstock’s Free Resources
Which ERP implementation approach is best for your organization? This depends on several factors. Rootstock Cloud ERP has compiled a list of resources so your organization can choose the best ERP implementation strategy:
Our team of ERP experts can help you choose the right ERP implementation strategy. Get in touch with our team and get personalized recommendations for your unique business needs.
