ERP and CRM Implementation

We plan and implement upgraded and revitalized Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to integrate enterprise processes and customer-facing activities.  The upgraded or migrated systems enable quick response to the changing business environment and deliver support for new business capabilities and improved value streams

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) implementations and upgrades are one of the most significant challenges to the operations of agile companies of every size, market, and location.Ā  Ā 

Modern ERP and CRM systemsĀ offer irresistible applicability and theĀ capability to integrate with many other enterprise systems and business processes.Ā  This power makes themĀ theĀ lifebloodĀ of the enterprise and the core of operations.Ā  From sales and marketing to supply chain and manufacturing, ERP and CRM systems power the modern enterprise.Ā 

These factsĀ demonstrate whyĀ it is essentialĀ to selectĀ a team with experience, discipline, and professionalism to plan and manageĀ ERP and CRM systemĀ implementations, migrations, and upgrades.Ā 

Outages, loss of data quality, and degraded performance often result from problematic ERP and CRM implementations.Ā Ā Trouble looms whenĀ schedules are underestimated, the amount of work required is not appreciated, or when aĀ shortcutĀ bypasses aĀ methodical and time-tested approach.Ā 

Teams that start with aĀ realistic schedule and resource planĀ andĀ use aĀ successful templateĀ that featuresĀ planned milestones and deliverablesĀ are far more likely to deliver a migration that meets expectationsĀ with an implementation thatĀ deftlyĀ supports business operations across the enterprise.Ā Ā Ā 

How We Help Clients

Implementation Planning

WeĀ performĀ requirements andĀ technical analysis to develop an implementationĀ plan for the newĀ upgrade, migration, orĀ implementation.   

We conduct aĀ gap analysis to identify missingĀ requirements.Ā Next, weĀ buildĀ a project planĀ from our existing successful template,Ā aĀ staffing analysis, andĀ aĀ risk analysis.  Next, weĀ deliverĀ aĀ uniqueĀ dashboard that presents project steps in an easy-to-understand visual format.Ā Ā  WeĀ alsoĀ catalog and model the data sources and map the transformationsĀ needed toĀ provideĀ needed data elements.Ā Ā Finally, weĀ plan theĀ secure data acquisition andĀ requiredĀ complexĀ transformationsĀ on that data.Ā 

Assessment and Requirements Design

WeĀ lead an assessment to characterize the as-is ERP or CRM system andĀ understandĀ the future system and intended use cases.Ā  TheĀ detailedĀ evaluationĀ coversĀ specifics of the system, system data, business processes and workflows, queries and reports, interfaces,Ā and useĀ cases.Ā  WeĀ alsoĀ exploreĀ security, supporting infrastructure, and specific shortcomings of the current system.Ā 

Then weĀ work with ourĀ client’sĀ business team and stakeholders to develop detailed requirements for the ERP, CRM and SCM CRMĀ upgrade, migration, orĀ implementation.Ā 

Implementation

We implement according toĀ theĀ planned milestones and linked deliverablesĀ we useĀ to master complex projects.  WeĀ develop custom code, migrate customizations, install and test third-party software components, and build system integrationsĀ during construction.   WeĀ engageĀ end-users at each stage of theĀ projectĀ to ensure that the implementation fulfills expectations.Ā 

Data Migration

We develop and guide data migration and transformationĀ toĀ retain existing production, product, inventory, and customer data in a form usable for the new ERP or CRM solution.  In addition, weĀ migrateĀ data elementsĀ from single source of truth data sources.Ā 

Program Management

We establish a project management officeĀ PMOĀ to coordinate and manage the implementation, upgrade, or migration project.Ā  We work to ensure alignment with corporate processesĀ andĀ standards andĀ endeavorĀ to identify and overcome anyĀ remainingĀ gaps to ensure success.Ā  We staff the PMO with a veteran project manager andĀ experiencedĀ team and provide an implementation or migration template.Ā  We adapt the templateĀ forĀ ourĀ client’sĀ specific implementation.Ā 

What We Do

Global ERP and CRM Systems Consolidation

Studying a worldwide array of dissimilar ERP and CRM systems across multiple business locations.Ā Ā The projectĀ includes buildingĀ requirements,Ā planning implementation, and implementing across allĀ sitesĀ toĀ complete theĀ consolidation.Ā 

Implementation of a New ERP or CRM System

Implementing a new ERP or CRM system, includingĀ assessment, requirements design, and data migration and transformation, along with customizations, integrations, and user acceptance testing.Ā 

Upgrade or Migration

Migrating to the latest version of anĀ ERP or CRM systemĀ or converting from a different system.Ā Ā Assessing use cases, workflows, andĀ requiredĀ integrations.Ā Ā Designing requirements and a project plan.Ā  Implementing a new system,Ā transformingĀ data, re-establishing integrations, configuring customizations, and testing.Ā 

Assessment

Preparing anĀ upgrade,Ā implementation, migrationĀ by evaluating workflows, data, customizations, platforms, and requirements to identify readiness issues, missed requirements, and technical challenges.Ā 

Requirements Design

Working with business users and stakeholders to document current and intended use cases,Ā workflows, data, and integrations required forĀ implementation, upgrade, or migration.Ā  Specifying dataĀ transformationĀ neededĀ and identifying customizations required.Ā 

Deliver Data Access and Reporting During ERP and CRM Migrations

OvercomingĀ interimĀ data availability and latency problems arising from aĀ delayed or stalledĀ ERP or CRM migration withĀ prompt delivery ofĀ consolidated data feeds, data transformation, and reporting.Ā 

Program Management

Establishing a PMO andĀ staffingĀ the PMO withĀ experienced staff.Ā  Adopting standards and a project management methodology and practices for an implementation.Ā 

Solutions For All Aspects of Your Business

Our Approach

We follow a disciplined approach with defined milestones and linked deliverables. This approach makes it possible to master complex business problems and deliver business results.

WeĀ manage ERP and CRM implementations against a program plan with defined milestones that link to specific deliverables.Ā  ThisĀ processĀ enables us to decompose even the most complex ERP or CRMĀ projectĀ into meaningful and understandable tasks.Ā Ā Ā 

Program Management

We establish aĀ PMO, project governance,Ā and projectĀ teamsĀ to maintain an orderly deployment process that meets expectations and respects budget goals.Ā 

Assessment and Discovery

We work withĀ theĀ clientĀ team to understandĀ the natureĀ of existing problems.Ā  WeĀ evaluateĀ problemĀ impacts on business resultsĀ to help prioritize work.   We examine existing systems, security, supporting infrastructure, and surrounding business processes.  We map existing business processes, workflows, and interactions.   We establish the single source of truth forĀ everyĀ key data elementĀ in the implementation, migration, or upgrade.Ā  We review any existing Business Capability Model to ensure alignment.Ā 

Requirements Development

We work with ourĀ client’sĀ business team and stakeholders to design future processesĀ toĀ deliver business value.  We build and document business requirements from facts from ourĀ system and business process reviews.Ā  TheĀ requirements clearly define the functional performance expected from the planned implementation.Ā Ā We consider complexity, risk, and business valueĀ in this process.Ā 

Establish Business Configuration

We model theĀ organization’sĀ users, teams, roles,Ā and connections betweenĀ thoseĀ teams and processes.Ā Ā 

Implementation Planning and Design

We review business requirements and perform aĀ carefulĀ technical analysis to develop a systemĀ implementationĀ plan for the new implementation, upgrade, or migration.  With a critical review, weĀ createĀ a gap analysis to identify missing requirements or other issues.  We produce anĀ issues list that remains open until project completion.  We develop an updatedĀ project plan, staffing analysis, and risk analysis.  We alsoĀ useĀ our proprietaryĀ getting stuff doneĀ dashboard that presents project steps in an easy-to-understand visual format.Ā 

Data Migration

We develop and guide data migration and transformationsĀ to ensureĀ thatĀ we retainĀ existingĀ supply chain,Ā production, product, inventory, and customer data in a form usable for the newly upgraded or implementedĀ ERP or CRM system.Ā Ā Data migrated is derived from single source of truth data sources.Ā  This step can includeĀ theĀ integration of data from new sources.Ā 

Implementation, Construction, and Configuration

We implement according toĀ theĀ key planned milestones and linked deliverables that enable us to master complex projects.Ā Ā WeĀ develop custom code, migrate customizations, install and test third-party software components, andĀ performĀ needed system integrationsĀ during construction.Ā Ā  We join with end-users at each stage of the implementation to ensure that the implementation fulfills expectations.Ā 

User Acceptance Testing

We implement the new ERP or CRM system in a sandbox and engageĀ withĀ business users to find and fix bugs, needed changes, and usability issues identified during user acceptance testing.Ā 

Initial Deployment

We supervise a cutover toĀ go liveĀ with the new ERP or CRM implementation for a limited portion of the organization.  During this time, we work with ourĀ client’sĀ support team to monitor, track, and resolve issuesĀ for the initial deployment.Ā Ā 

Post Implementation Analysis

We review the ERP or CRM performance and process integration impactsĀ to inform steps needed for the final deployment.Ā Ā SomeĀ implementations requireĀ configuration or code changesĀ at this stage.Ā 

Final Deployment

We guide a finalĀ deployment to the entire organization, ensuring that deployment information is shared across the enterprise to ensure business continuity.Ā 

Sectors We Serve

Modern City Buildings In Aachen, Germany At Night
We Understand
At Blackstone+Cullen, we understand the importance of ERP and CRM solutions in driving business success, and we have the experience and skill to help you with your implementation, migration, and upgrade needs.
Team of Experts
Our team of experts has a proven track record of delivering successful projects, ensuring that your business operations continue to run smoothly while minimizing any disruptions during the transition.
Your Vision - With Our Expertise
We work with you to understand your unique business requirements and develop a customized plan that aligns with your goals and objectives. Our expertise in CRM ERP integration architecture and ERP and CRM integration services will help you optimize your business processes and drive growth for your enterprise.
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