The first step in the process is requirements gathering and analysis. The project team needs to understand the organization’s business processes, workflows, data requirements, integration needs and more. This involves conducting interviews with key stakeholders across different departments like finance, operations, sales, procurement etc. The team documents all the necessary functionality, data inputs/outputs, reports needed, security requirements and more through this process.
Second step is designing the system architecture and databases. Based on the requirements, the technical team decides on the appropriate system architecture – whether it will be a monolithic architecture or microservices based. They design the database schemas for all the main functional modules like inventory, orders, billing etc. Relationships between different tables are identified. The team also decides on other architectural aspects like external APIs, interfaces to other legacy systems etc.
Third step is designing the user interfaces and navigation. Mockups are created for all the main screens, workflows and reports. Page layouts, fields, validations, tabs, dropdowns etc are designed based on the target users and required functionality. Wireframes are created to map out the overall navigation and information architecture. Various screens are linked through defined workflows. Approval processes and alerts are incorporated.
Fourth step involves building and testing the main functional modules one by one. The development team codes the backend modules as per the defined schema and designs. They integrate it with the databases. Simultaneously, the UI is developed by linking the frontend coding to the backend modules through APIs or interfaces. Each module is tested thoroughly for functionality, validations, performance before moving to next stage.
In the fifth step, non-functional aspects are incorporated. This involves integrating additional modules like document management, workflow automations, security rules etc. Features like multi-lingual support, reporting capabilities are also developed. Performance optimization is done. The overall system is tested for stability, concurrent usage and resilience against any errors or failures during operations.
Sixth step is customizing the system as per the exact business processes of the client organization. The configuration team studies the client’s workflow in detail and maps it against the developed ERP system. Fields are tagged appropriately, validations are adjusted and approval rules are defined. System roles and access profiles are created. Required modifications if any are developed during this stage.
Seventh step is external integration of the ERP system. Interfaces are developed to sync relevant data in real-time with external applications like warehouses, delivery apps, accounting software etc. APIs are published for third parties as well. Two-way data exchange is set up according to defined standards. System is tested for integration workflows.
In the eighth step, data migration is managed. Historical data from legacy systems or manual records into defined fields in the ERP database through conversion programs. Dependent lists/dropdowns etc are populated. Default master records are created.Test migration of sample data is done before final migration.
Ninth step is user acceptance testing where the client validates that the developed system indeed meets all the requirements. User guides, help videos are prepared. Admin users perform testing first followed by power users and then all target user profiles. Bugs if any are fixed.
Final step is the implementation and go-live of the ERP system at the client organization. Warranty period support is provided. Feedback and enhancement requests are collected. Future roadmap and upgrade plan is presented to the client. Training sessions are conducted to educate employees on using the new system. Post implementation support is provided till the stability of new processes is established. Documentation is handed over along with Admin control to the client. Overall this design and development methodology ensures a seamless ERP project execution to achieve the desired business transformation goals of the organization. Detailed planning and adherence to quality standards at every step is the key to success of a large custom ERP program.