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Unit4 Implementation

Find out how to implement Unit4 ERP software using our free, independent guide. Discover how to derisk your Unit4 implementation below.

Unit4 ERP Implementation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you implement Unit4?

Unit4 is an enterprise software company that offers a suite of products, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Human Capital Management (HCM), Financial Management, and others. I assume you're referring to the implementation of their software solutions. Here's a high-level overview of the implementation process:

  1. Define project scope and objectives: Clearly outline the goals of the project and identify the business processes that need to be improved or automated. Define the scope of the implementation, including the specific Unit4 modules to be used, and establish a project timeline and budget.

  2. Assemble a project team: Form a cross-functional project team that includes stakeholders from various departments (e.g., IT, finance, human resources) as well as a project manager to oversee the implementation process. You may also want to engage a Unit4 implementation partner, who can provide expert guidance and support throughout the project.

  3. Analyze and document current processes: Before implementing the Unit4 software, conduct a thorough analysis of your existing business processes. Identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement, and document the current state of these processes.

  4. Configure the software: Customize the Unit4 software to meet your organization's specific needs. This may involve configuring settings, defining workflows, setting up user roles and permissions, and integrating the software with other systems used in your organization.

  5. Data migration: Migrate data from your existing systems to the Unit4 software. This may involve extracting, transforming, and loading (ETL) data into the new system, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.

  6. Training and change management: Provide comprehensive training for end-users and administrators to ensure they understand how to use the new system effectively. Implement change management strategies to help users adapt to the new processes and technology.

  7. Testing: Conduct thorough testing of the configured software to ensure it meets your organization's needs and functions as expected. This may involve unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT).

  8. Deployment: Once the software has been configured, tested, and accepted by end-users, deploy the Unit4 system in a production environment. This may involve a phased rollout or a "big bang" approach, depending on your organization's preferences and risk tolerance.

  9. Support and continuous improvement: Monitor the performance of the new system and provide ongoing support for end-users. Regularly review and update processes as needed to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with your organization's evolving needs.

What is the Unit4 implementation methodology?

Unit4 has developed its own implementation methodology called Unit4 Implementation Accelerator (previously known as the Agresso Implementation Methodology or AIM). This methodology provides a structured approach to implementing Unit4 software solutions, such as ERP, HCM, and Financial Management systems. The methodology is designed to reduce risks, accelerate implementation, and ensure the project's success.

The Unit4 Implementation Accelerator is a combination of best practices, tools, and templates that support the implementation process. The methodology is typically divided into several phases, with key activities and deliverables in each phase. Here's an overview of these phases:

  1. Inception: During the inception phase, the project scope, objectives, and requirements are defined. The project team is assembled, and the project plan, including timeline, budget, and resources, is established. The inception phase also involves setting up the project governance structure and communication channels.

  2. Elaboration: The elaboration phase focuses on analyzing and documenting the current business processes and identifying areas for improvement or automation. The project team works with stakeholders to understand the organization's requirements and create process maps or models. This phase also includes the development of the functional and technical design of the Unit4 solution.

  3. Construction: During the construction phase, the Unit4 software is configured and customized to meet the organization's specific needs. This includes setting up workflows, user roles and permissions, and system integrations. The construction phase also involves data migration, which requires extracting, transforming, and loading data from existing systems into the Unit4 solution.

  4. Transition: The transition phase is focused on preparing the organization for the new Unit4 system. This involves training end-users and administrators, as well as implementing change management strategies to help users adapt to the new processes and technology. The transition phase also includes system testing, such as unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing, to ensure the solution functions as expected.

  5. Go-live and support: Once the system has been configured, tested, and accepted by end-users, it is deployed in a production environment. The go-live and support phase involve monitoring the system's performance, providing ongoing user support, and continuously improving the solution based on user feedback and evolving business needs.

The Unit4 Implementation Accelerator methodology is designed to be flexible and can be adapted to suit the specific requirements and constraints of each organization.

How long does it take to implement Unit4 ERP?

The time it takes to implement Unit4 ERP can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the organization, the scope of the project, the number of modules being implemented, the level of customization required, and the organization's readiness for change. Generally, the implementation timeline can range from a few months to over a year or more.

Here are some factors that can influence the implementation timeline:

  1. Project scope: The number of modules and the breadth of functionality being implemented can impact the timeline. Implementing more modules or a broader range of functionality will typically take longer.

  2. Organization size and complexity: Larger organizations with more complex processes and multiple locations or business units will generally require a longer implementation timeline due to the increased complexity of the project.

  3. Customization and integration: The level of customization required and the need to integrate with existing systems can extend the implementation timeline. The more customizations and integrations needed, the longer the project is likely to take.

  4. Data migration: The volume and complexity of data to be migrated from existing systems to the Unit4 ERP system can impact the timeline. Larger data sets and more complex data transformations will take longer to complete.

  5. Change management and training: Effective change management and thorough user training are crucial for a successful implementation. Depending on the organization's size and the number of users, this process can take a significant amount of time.

  6. Project team and resources: The availability and expertise of the project team members, including internal resources and external consultants or implementation partners, can influence the timeline. A well-staffed and experienced project team can help ensure a smoother and faster implementation.

  7. Testing and issue resolution: Thorough testing is essential to ensure that the system is functioning correctly and meeting the organization's requirements. The time required for testing and resolving any issues discovered during the testing process can impact the overall timeline.

While it's difficult to provide a specific implementation timeline without knowing the details of a particular project, a typical implementation for a mid-sized organization can range from 6 to 18 months.

 

How much does Unit4 ERP cost?

The cost of implementing and using Unit4 ERP can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of your organization, the number of users, the specific modules and features required, the level of customization, and any additional services like implementation, training, and ongoing support. Unit4 ERP is typically priced using a subscription-based model, where organizations pay an annual or monthly fee per user.

Here are some components that can influence the cost of Unit4 ERP:

  1. Software licensing or subscription fees: Unit4 offers a cloud-based (SaaS) solution, and the cost is generally based on the number of users and the modules you need. Subscription fees are usually billed annually or monthly.

  2. Implementation costs: These costs cover the initial setup, configuration, customization, and data migration. The cost of implementation can vary widely based on the complexity of the project, the level of customization required, and the need for integration with other systems. Engaging a Unit4 implementation partner can also impact the implementation cost.

  3. Training and change management: Training your staff on how to use the new system effectively and implementing change management strategies to help users adapt to the new processes and technology can add to the overall cost.

  4. Data migration: The process of migrating data from your existing systems to the Unit4 ERP system can be time-consuming and complex. Depending on the volume and complexity of the data, the cost of data migration can vary.

  5. Ongoing support and maintenance: Annual or monthly fees for support, maintenance, and updates are usually included in the subscription cost. However, if you need additional support services or customization, there may be extra costs involved.

  6. Hardware and infrastructure costs: If you opt for a cloud-based solution, the infrastructure costs are generally included in the subscription fee. However, if you choose an on-premise deployment, you'll need to consider the costs of servers, storage, network equipment, and other related hardware.

Why implement Unit4?

Implementing Unit4 ERP can provide several benefits for organizations looking to streamline their processes, improve efficiency, and enable better decision-making. Here are some key reasons to consider implementing Unit4:

  1. Comprehensive and flexible solution: Unit4 offers a wide range of modules and functionality, including financial management, human capital management, procurement, project management, and more. This allows organizations to choose the features that best suit their needs and scale the solution as they grow.

  2. Industry-specific functionality: Unit4 has designed its ERP solution to cater to the unique needs of specific industries, such as professional services, higher education, public sector, and not-for-profit organizations. This industry focus enables organizations to benefit from features and best practices tailored to their specific requirements.

  3. User-friendly interface: Unit4's modern and intuitive user interface makes it easy for users to learn and navigate the system. This can help improve user adoption and overall satisfaction.

  4. Cloud-based and on-premise deployment options: Unit4 offers both cloud-based (SaaS) and on-premise deployment options, providing organizations with the flexibility to choose the model that best fits their needs and infrastructure.

  5. Integration capabilities: Unit4 ERP can integrate with other systems and applications, enabling organizations to streamline their processes and create a unified view of their data. This can lead to better decision-making and improved overall efficiency.

  6. Agile implementation methodology: Unit4's Implementation Accelerator methodology is designed to reduce risks, accelerate implementation timelines, and ensure project success. This agile approach enables organizations to benefit from a more efficient and effective implementation process.

  7. Continuous innovation and updates: Unit4 is committed to continuous innovation and regularly releases updates and enhancements to its ERP solution. This ensures that organizations can take advantage of the latest features and best practices.

  8. Global presence and support: Unit4 has a global presence with offices and partners around the world, providing organizations with access to localized support and expertise.

  9. Scalability: Unit4 ERP is designed to grow with your organization, making it easy to add new modules, features, or users as needed. This enables organizations to adapt their ERP system as their business evolves.



Can I implement Unit4 myself?

While it is technically possible to implement Unit4 ERP yourself, doing so without prior experience or expertise in the software can lead to a variety of challenges and risks. Engaging a Unit4 implementation partner or experienced consultant can provide several benefits, such as:

  1. Expertise and experience: Unit4 implementation partners have in-depth knowledge of the software and have worked on multiple projects across various industries. They can provide valuable insights, best practices, and recommendations based on their experience to ensure a smooth and successful implementation.

  2. Faster implementation: Experienced partners are familiar with the Unit4 Implementation Accelerator methodology and have access to tools and templates that can help streamline the implementation process. Their expertise can help reduce the time it takes to configure, customize, and deploy the system.

  3. Risk mitigation: Implementing an ERP system involves significant investments in time and resources, and the potential risks can be high. Working with an experienced partner can help identify and mitigate these risks, increasing the likelihood of a successful implementation.

  4. Customization and integration: Unit4 partners can help identify the right level of customization and integration required for your organization. They can also guide you through the process of integrating Unit4 with your existing systems and applications, ensuring seamless data flow and functionality.

  5. Training and change management: Experienced partners can provide comprehensive training to end-users and administrators, ensuring they are well-equipped to use the new system effectively. They can also assist with change management strategies to help users adapt to the new processes and technology.

  6. Ongoing support and maintenance: Unit4 implementation partners can provide ongoing support, system updates, and maintenance, ensuring your organization continues to benefit from the latest features and best practices.

While implementing Unit4 ERP yourself may seem like a cost-saving measure, the risks and potential issues associated with a self-implementation can outweigh the potential savings. Working with an experienced Unit4 implementation partner can help ensure a smoother, faster, and more successful implementation while reducing risks and maximizing the return on your investment.

FULL GUIDE

ERP Implementation Methodology

If you're considering implementing ERP software, then download our free detailed guide to ERP implementation methodology. 

Our guide will help you prepare your team for every step of ERP implementation from design to build. testing, go-live and more.

Unit4 ERP Pricing

Unit4 pricing is licensed on a subscription basis which is typically paid annually.

Licensing is dependent on the amount of users, their level or responsibilities within the system, advanced modules and third party extensions you require.

Let us know how many users you need and we'll be in touch to provide a quick, hassle free Unit4 cost estimate.

Download our comprehensive guide to Unit4

Unit4 is an ERP solution for small, medium- and large-sized businesses.

This comprehensive guide is your single source for everything you need to know about Unit4 ERP software. 

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