4 Cloud Financial Implementation Strategies
Life is full of so many choices—especially technology options. In your personal life, that might be which smartphone to buy or video streaming service to subscribe to. The choices are infinitely more complex on the job. One of the biggest is which ERP system to implement, such as Intacct cloud financial software. But that’s not all! You get to decide how you’re going to implement your ERP solution. And that’s JUST as important as deciding WHAT software to choose.
4 Ways to Roll Out a Cloud Financial Implementation
- Big bang rollout - As the name implies, big bang rollouts are—in theory, at least—one and done. All users move to the new system at the same time. There’s no need for temporary interfaces between two systems, and you may have a fully completed cloud financial implementation more quickly and at a lower cost than with a phased approach. However, there’s a high risk that something can go wrong. It’s difficult to ensure everything is tested before launching the new system, which means issues might come to light that were overlooked during testing. And failure in one part of the system can create failures or problems elsewhere.
- Phased rollout - This incremental method involves small rollouts over time, and can be completed by module, business unit, location, or other category. Phased rollouts are less risky, since problems are more likely to be identified and fixed. Some legacy system modules may be more quickly eliminated, users have more time to adapt, and each phase is easier to manage. On the other hand, this approach takes longer and is less focused than the big bang rollout. Having to deal with change over a long period of time may be disruptive, and there may be information gaps during transition from the old system to the new.
- Parallel rollout - Another choice for cloud financial implementation is the parallel rollout. The old and new systems run side-by-side. Users are trained on the new system while still working on the old. Once requirements for the new system are met, the changeover is made. For the most part, this method has been replaced by rigorous testing before go-live. In fact, parallel rollouts are best done in test mode rather than in production, which is inefficient and can cause confusion as to which is the system of record. Testing the new system against the old using the same data can be extremely helpful before go-live.
- Hybrid rollout - This approach may work well for larger ERP implementations across multiple business units. Here, companies will use a big bang rollout for smaller units, and a phased method elsewhere.
Rely on Arxis, the ERP implementation professionals
There’s no right or wrong way to implement your ERP solution—it all depends on your business requirements. Fortunately, it’s a choice you don’t have to make alone. At Arxis Technology, we have the insight that comes only with years of experience and hundreds of customers. We’ll put that expertise to work for you to ensure a smooth cloud financial implementation from start to finish.
If you are interested in learning more about cloud accounting software or have any questions about this this blog CONTACT US. If you are looking for cloud accounting solutions or ERP consultants to help take your business to the next level, contact us at www.arxistechnology.com, or call 866-624-2600.
Arxis Technology, Inc. is an ERP technology consulting firm specializing in the implementation and support of accounting and business management software, custom application development, and network engineering and design. As ERP consultants and resellers for Intacct Cloud Financials, Sage 100 ERP (formerly MAS 90), Sage 300 ERP (formerly Accpac), Sage 500 ERP (formerly MAS 500), SAP Business ByDesign, SugarCRM, and SageCRM, Arxis services clients from locations in Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Phoenix, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Ireland.
