5 best practices for Oracle implementation

Implementing a complex software solution such as an Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system requires planning, preparation, and a methodical approach. Teams configure the environment optimally to ensure its availability and performance. Many moving parts must work together smoothly to produce the results required to meet an organization’s business objectives.

In this article, we’ll discuss some best practices for a successful Oracle implementation. In this article, we’ll focus on Oracle ERP, although there are numerous Oracle technology services, including Oracle Analytics Cloud, Oracle ERP Cloud, Oracle Integration Cloud, Oracle Transportation Management, Oracle Essbase, and Oracle Database, among others. 

While the specific steps to implement these different services may vary, many of these best practices are universal. Following these guidelines will help companies implement Oracle successfully and obtain the maximum value from the solution. 

5 Essential Steps in an Oracle Implementation

How an organization approaches an Oracle implementation will greatly affect its availability and performance. Oracle recommends that the following methodical approach should be adopted by companies implementing a cloud-based Oracle ERP solution. Some of these steps are suitable for use in any cloud migration or project. 

Plan

Planning is an essential part of a successful cloud implementation. Information must be collected regarding five elements of the project, including: 

• Project definition
  Beginning with objectives and goals, the scope of the project must be defined. General timelines should be developed along with a budget, risk analysis, and staffing requirements. 
• Project team 
  The project team will include internal and external resources with the necessary skills and experience to implement the solution. The team should have a project manager. Gaining the support of senior executives can help streamline the implementation process.
• Project design 
  The design phase is crucial to the success of the project. Considerations include what applications will be deployed and any required integration with legacy systems. Other design factors include data definitions, business processes, and user requirements.
• Project rollout 
  Requirements concerning the performance of the project will determine when it is rolled out into a production environment. The rollout may be done in a phased and systematic manner with different locations or departments gaining access at different times. 
• Project communication 
  Communication throughout the team and organization as a whole is a critical factor in its success. Everyone needs to be kept apprised of how the project is progressing and reminded of the business benefits it will provide.

Implement

When the design has been solidified, project implementation can begin. Several steps are used in conjunction to facilitate an Oracle ERP implementation.

• Configure 
  Configuration decisions are used to customize the project. Elements like data structures and user roles must be configured to address business objectives.
• Integrate 
  Integration with existing solutions is key to obtaining the maximum value from an IT environment. This includes legacy and third-party systems that interact with the new Oracle instance.
• Data 
  Extraction, transformation, and load (ETL) skills are required to migrate data resources to the cloud.
• Extensions 
  Extensions can provide additional functionality that may be necessary to address business objectives.
• Reports 
  Identify the reports that are needed from the application and determine if any of them can be provided as real-time displays or dashboards. 

Verify

Verification of the accuracy and completeness of the implementation is the next step. Items that must be verified include:

• Data quality to ensure data is correct
• Data archives to preserve legacy information
• Workflows that drive business processes
• Security including access to sensitive data
• Roles and responsibilities of all team members

Prepare

These essential tasks must be performed in preparation for the system going live in the production environment.  

• System readiness 
  In this step, initial system values are set, and any necessary corrections to the system are performed.
• User readiness 
  Users must be provided with the necessary credentials and access methods to use the system. 
• Organizational readiness 
  The organization needs to be prepared for changes brought about by the system’s implementation and provide the necessary training so employees can use it efficiently. It helps to have a certified team member who can be the project champion, sharing knowledge and enthusiasm. There are Oracle certifications for professionals in various roles that promote mastery of the various Oracle technologies. 

Deliver

When the previous steps have been performed, cutting over to production should be a smooth operation. The planning and preparation pay off here as the system is up and running, addressing business requirements and objectives. Some activities to perform after going live will help a company get the most from the new system.

• Monitor the metrics identified when preparing for the project to ensure the system meets performance expectations. Modifications may be required if the system is found to be underperforming. 
• Review the project’s acceptance throughout the organization and document lessons learned for future endeavors. 
• Provide ongoing training to employees to help extract the maximum value from the system.

Addressing the Complexity of an Oracle Implementation

Engaging an experienced partner is one of the most impactful decisions an organization can make when implementing an Oracle solution. A reliable service provider will help pave the way to a successful project that enables business objectives to be met. They can help you avoid the pitfalls leading to an ineffective implementation that does not deliver its expected value.

Argano is well-versed in the complexities and best practices required for an effective end-to-end Oracle implementation. We help clients execute a successful digital transformation and remain competitive in today’s business climate. Argano can guide you through the steps required to implement Oracle successfully and address the needs of your business.