A Proven Approach to Oracle Fusion Cloud Implementation Success
We’ve rounded up some of the best practices we’ve developed over the course of more than 30 years in ERP consulting. That includes more than a decade of implementing Fusion Cloud ERP, helping businesses take advantage of Oracle’s comprehensive, tier 1 cloud ERP suite. From finding the right partner to using a project methodology and following ERP success factors to thinking beyond go-live – below are tips to help you succeed with your Fusion Cloud implementation.
Choosing the Right Oracle Fusion ERP Cloud Implementation Partner
Finding your Oracle Fusion Cloud implementation partner is a lot like choosing your ERP – you need the right fit for your organization and a partner that truly “gets” your business. Below are some of the things to look for in your ERP transformation partner.
- Proven software and industry experience, and relevant technical experience
- References and case studies
- Project management framework and implementation methodology
- Knowledge and expertise, and the ability to help properly scope the project
- Trusted advisor on the technical and functional aspects of the project and how to align with the business
Planning Your Implementation Process
An experienced partner will have a process that can lead you through the implementation project. These best practices will have been developed throughout many projects and are a reflection of their experience. Our top recommendations include:
- Use a methodology: An ERP implementation is a complex process, and a methodology breaks it down into manageable portions.
- Test often: As the project progresses, testing both individual functions and the system as a whole is required. Additionally, including end users in the testing process is integral.
- Integrate early: Third-party integrations take time and need to be considered early on in the project. Set realistic expectations and make sure responsibilities are clearly assigned.
- Maintain communication: Communicating often and clearly is integral to the success of your implementation project. Have a communication plan and maintain it clearly and frequently.
Our Proven Oracle Fusion ERP Cloud Implementation Methodology
Terillium follows a structured, proven methodology designed to ensure every implementation is completed efficiently, on time, and aligned with client goals.
- Plan: We start by building a solid foundation for success. This phase aligns your project goals, timeline, and team so everyone is working toward the same outcome from day one.
- Design: Next, we translate your business requirements into a solution design that fits your organization. This is where we outline how Oracle Fusion Cloud will support your processes.
- Validate: Through iterative reviews and testing, we make sure the system works as intended. Your team has hands-on time with the solution to confirm readiness and refine where needed.
- Deploy: We guide you through a smooth go-live. That includes user training, final data preparation, and ensuring the system is ready for real-world use.
- Support: After go-live, we stay engaged. Our team provides ongoing support, optimization, and continuous improvements so you get lasting value from your investment.
Factors to Ensure Oracle Fusion ERP Cloud Implementation Success
An ERP implementation is an important business project. Having best practices is necessary, but so is good project management. Terillium’s President, Dave Woodworth, created three strategies with tips curated from decades of experience in working on ERP implementations. These include:
- Technology: Your software itself is not the reason for your success or failure in an implementation. It’s a tool that must be used properly. While Oracle Fusion ERP Cloud is equipped with business intelligence capabilities and machine learning-powered tools, bad data will make them useless. Convert your data properly before migrating it to your new system. Consider your business reporting needs and third-party integrations early on in the project and make a plan to achieve your requirements.
- People: It’s sometimes counterintuitive, but your project team should be made up of the people you are least likely to want to spare. These employees know your business, are capable of making decisions and work in different areas of your organization. They’ll need to commit a significant amount of time to the project as well. Additionally, an executive must serve as the project sponsor and the C-suite needs to be involved in order to provide an example of leadership and make final decisions.
- Processes: The most important process in an ERP implementation is a methodology. A proven methodology should be tested and formal, but flexible to accommodate each business and industry. An established communication plan among teammates and between teams must be maintained in order to keep the project on track, as well as a training plan to ensure employees are trained periodically and completely. A process for measuring success is necessary to achieve project goals and benchmarks, while allowing you to know your project was a success at its completion.
After the Oracle Fusion ERP Cloud Implementation
You’ve completed the implementation, testing, training and go-live. Congratulations! That’s all, right? Not necessarily. While your business may be live on Oracle Fusion ERP Cloud, there may still be some work to be done. You might discover processes that require optimizing, additional tools to add following the implementation, or the need for technical support.
Managed services can provide ongoing support to your team, increasing ROI and providing continuous improvement. Certified consultants with experience leading Fusion ERP Cloud implementations work as an extension of your team – serving as a help desk as well as a strategic partner that knows your business.
Featured Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP Implementation Case Studies from Terillium
Lighthouse for the Blind Modernizes via JDE → Oracle Fusion Cloud
Lighthouse, a precision-machining manufacturer that employs visually impaired individuals, consolidated legacy systems into a unified ERP. Terillium led their migration from JDE to Oracle Fusion Cloud on Oracle’s Government Cloud, integrating their retail POS and Base Supply operations. The project provided Lighthouse with a single source of truth, streamlined and automated processes, stronger reporting, and better accessibility for users with visual or hearing impairments – all supported by a modern, scalable platform.
Vanguard Renewables Moves to Oracle Fusion Cloud After Outgrowing Quickbooks
Terillium utilized their experience with clients in a hyper-growth environment to design an enterprise structure, chart of accounts, and business processes that are scalable and will grow as Vanguard continues to grow.
Terillium executed their robust implementation methodology to help lead Vanguard through a successful project launch.
Banjo Improves Supply and Demand Planning with Oracle Fusion Cloud
Banjo required improved supply and demand planning beyond what their current system could provide. Terillium needed to help:
- Provide operations with a stable plan for production.
- Equip purchasing with a stable plan to understand supply needs.
- Increase visibility to capacity constraints.
- Managing and planning for new product offerings.
- Keeping up with rapid business growth.
- Accessibility to customer forecasts and statistical forecasts in one system.
- Visibility to demand at risk and understanding of potential resolutions.
Setting Your Implementation Up for Success
A successful Oracle Fusion implementation depends on the right partner, the right methodology, and the right project management. By planning carefully, validating thoroughly, and aligning your team throughout the process, you can unlock the full value of Oracle Fusion Cloud and set the foundation for long-term growth.