A Structured Implementation Program for a Successful Accolent ERP Go-Live
Implementing a new ERP system is a major project, but the right implementation program makes the process organized, manageable, and successful. Accolent ERP provides a structured implementation program designed to guide your team from initial setup through training, data migration, testing, go-live, and post-launch support.
Our Implementation Manager works closely with your Project Manager and key team members to keep the project on track, answer questions, and help your employees become confident using Accolent ERP before go-live.
Implementation of a new ERP system is a big undertaking, but don’t let that daunt you -- we have you completely covered. The implementation program starts with a structured overview of all the steps that need to be accomplished and a way to track progress as you complete these steps. Our Implementation Manager will work closely with your Project Manager and team to ensure a timely, successful implementation. Your Project Manager will involve your operations personnel when needed. This will ensure that your employees who are most familiar with your processes and data are fully trained and comfortable with the Accolent ERP system.
What Is Included in the Accolent ERP Implementation Program?
The Accolent ERP implementation program includes the services, tools, training, and guidance needed to get your business live on Accolent ERP. The program is offered at a fixed price, so you know the cost upfront. The implementation program includes:
- A structured implementation timeline
- Defined tasks, milestones, and responsibilities
- Access to training videos
- Data import templates
- Guidance for data migration
- Pre-live testing support
- Go-live preparation
- Post go-live assistance
- Ongoing access to your Implementation Manager
This systematic approach helps your team stay organized and ensures each step is completed in the right sequence.
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Accolent ERP Technology
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Implementation and Training
Let us show you how our comprehensive implementation and training programs will manage your transition and get you up and running on Accolent ERP quickly and painlessly.
Implementation Timeline and Onboarding
Accolent ERP helps you create an implementation timeline that lists key tasks, target dates, and the personnel needed at each stage. This gives your team a clear roadmap from kickoff to go-live.
Pre-live customers also receive access to the Accolent ERP Onboarding screen. This screen appears when users log in and provides step-by-step guidance for implementation activities. Users can also schedule calls with their Implementation Manager directly from the onboarding screen when they need assistance.
Implementation Program Steps
The Accolent ERP implementation program includes several steps, some of which may happen in parallel. Most customers can complete the process in approximately 12 to 16 weeks, depending on available resources, data readiness, testing, and internal decision-making.
Step 1: System and Account Setup
After your contract is signed, the Accolent ERP infrastructure team sets up your system in the Amazon Web Services cloud. Your environment includes: (i) Pre-Live site, (ii) Pre-Live Staging site and (iii) Training site.
You receive URLs and login credentials for an administrator account, which can then be used to create accounts for additional users.
Step 2: Implementation Kickoff and System Configuration
Your Implementation Manager schedules a kickoff call with primary stakeholders to review the implementation process, assign responsibilities, and establish initial target dates.
During this phase, the team may also document special requirements, system configuration needs, or customization items included in your contract. Setup tasks may include:
- User role permissions
- Printer configuration
- Email and fax setup
- User forms
- Initial system settings
Step 3A: User Training
Using the Training site with demo data, users begin self-paced online training using the videos on the CustomerZone portal. Training is organized by functional area, allowing each team to focus on the features most relevant to their job responsibilities. Typical functional teams may include:
- Order entry
- Purchasing and receiving
- Administration
- Accounts receivable
- Accounts payable
- Inventory and warehouse operations
The Implementation Manager may also schedule supplemental training sessions to reinforce learning and answer questions.
Step 3B: Initial Data Import
At the same time user training begins, your team starts extracting data from your existing ERP, accounting, or data warehouse system into Accolent ERP CSV templates. Accolent ERP provides templates that correspond to how data is imported into the system. If questions arise during mapping, the implementation team can help ensure data is placed correctly before import.
Once the templates are completed, the Accolent ERP team imports the data into your Pre-Live site following a defined sequence.
Step 4: Data Verification
After the initial data import, users move from the Training site to the Pre-Live site. This lets your team work with actual production data and verify that imported information is accurate.
Data verification helps identify any import issues before live operations begin.
Step 5: Pre-Live Testing
During pre-live testing, your team tests real business workflows using actual company data. Users should enter the same types of transactions they expect to process after go-live.
This phase typically lasts at least 4 to 6 weeks and helps users:
- Gain confidence in Accolent ERP
- Validate business processes
- Identify workflow changes
- Confirm data accuracy
- Prepare for live operations
Step 6: Go-Live Incremental Import
Once training, data verification, and pre-live testing are complete, a go-live date is scheduled. Go-live dates are typically planned for Monday mornings, allowing the implementation team to prepare the system over the prior weekend.
Before go-live, your team extracts changed data from the legacy system. Accolent then performs an incremental data import to update the Pre-Live site with new or changed records before the system becomes live.
Step 7: Go-Live
On go-live day, your Pre-Live site becomes your Production site, and prior test transactions are cleared. Your team begins entering new live transactions into Accolent ERP.
During the go-live period, your Implementation Manager monitors issues, helps prioritize open items, and supports your transition. This monitoring period typically lasts about two weeks before your account transitions to the Support team.
Post Go-Live Support
For three months after go-live, Accolent continues working with your team as needed to refine workflows, adjust business processes, and provide follow-up training. This helps your company get the most value from Accolent ERP after implementation is complete.
Why Choose a Structured Implementation Program?
A structured implementation program reduces uncertainty and helps your team stay focused. Instead of trying to manage ERP implementation without a clear roadmap, Accolent ERP gives you a defined process, experienced guidance, and practical tools to support each stage. With Accolent ERP, your implementation program is designed to help you:
- Stay organized
- Keep the project on schedule
- Train users effectively
- Migrate data accurately
- Test workflows before go-live
- Reduce disruption during transition
- Build confidence across your team
Contact Us About the Accolent ERP Implementation Program
Contact us to learn more about the Accolent ERP implementation program and how our structured process helps distributors, light manufacturers, and service businesses successfully transition to Accolent ERP.
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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What is an implementation program?
An implementation program is a structured process used to guide a business through setup, training, data migration, testing, go-live, and post-launch support when adopting a new software system.
How long does the Accolent ERP implementation program take?
Most Accolent ERP implementations can be completed in approximately 12 to 16 weeks when the customer dedicates the appropriate resources and completes required tasks on schedule.
What is included in the Accolent ERP implementation program?
The program includes implementation planning, system setup, training, data import templates, data migration support, pre-live testing, go-live preparation, go-live monitoring, and post go-live assistance.
Does Accolent ERP help with data migration?
Yes. Accolent ERP provides CSV data import templates and guidance to help customers extract, map, and import data from their existing systems.
What happens after go-live?
After go-live, Accolent ERP continues to provide support, workflow guidance, and follow-up training for three months to help customers refine processes and get the most from the system.