Transformation for Globalization

Global transformation of a business' Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system is a huge undertaking, but can be quite lucrative.  A smart approach is to start simple by focusing on a pilot that rationalizes the overall business systems landscape.  From this one can establish realistic goals and objectives which are founded on proven concepts.  

A good place to start is with a database comparative where a functional comparisons can be made among the likes of IBM, SAP, Oracle to determine which solution is the best, future fit.  

After a thorough review and analysis, shift the focus from landscape rationalization to enablement.  Develop a "road map" approach as the future landscape is likely to change its form during the life cycle.  Rather than long duration goals, set many short duration milestones -- no longer than 6 months (4-6 weeks if you want to keep up with mobile trends).  Prioritize and order the milestones that best leverage the learning along the way.  This way the downstream phases get the advantage of re-use in code, process and experience.

Make the process evolutionary and infuse it with analytics, so the analysis can tell the story and direct the future.