An Internet search was conducted to determine if there are other lessons learned that the state should know about, if considering enterprise solutions. Lessons learned were obtained from various source documents and the selection included universities, county, state and federal government entities. Common concerns identified reflect many of the same concerns identified by our selection of California state agencies utilizing enterprise financial solutions.

• Limit customizations and scope. Do not change the underlying programming code or allow scope creep. Modifications can greatly increase the cost of subsequent upgrading and can also affect module functionality and/or integrations.
• Do not underestimate the costs of an ERP. In addition to direct costs, a large cost will accrue from personnel—project staff, back-filled staff, consultants, recruiters, project managers, raises, training and mentoring, ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
• Changes in current business processes are often needed and recommended as a result of an ERP. Do as much prep work as possible in advance of the implementation. Make sure that all users have input into the redesign of their processes.
• There should be a core implementation team. Designate at least one person from each business unit to become a configuration expert for the module(s). Full-time, dedicated staff should be assigned to the project team. Each functional area should come to the project with a good understanding of reporting needs, work schedules, technology tools available and needed, etc.
• The ERP learning curve can be lengthy. If the process is handled badly, retirements and transfers of key people can result.
• Make sure staff is trained. ERPs are complex; so, give serious consideration to the type and timing of training.
• You have to have a strong ERP champion and work hard to build a constituency among the various participating agencies. Steering committees have proven to be beneficial in cutting through red tape, making policy decisions and resolving conflicts.
• Make sure you grow your own expertise. Hiring consultants can get very expensive.

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