Implementation of Modern Operations Management

How implementing a building ERP system can be surprisingly easy and hassle-free

Many construction companies are put off ERP system for fear of a complex and time-consuming implementation of the acquisition.

In this article, we delve into how Fondion's easy and transparent process eliminates deployment worries and enables a quick transition to a new, enhanced everyday life.

You will learn the concrete steps and see how the transition to an easier everyday life also works for your own company.

Why is it often difficult to implement a new system in the construction industry?

In construction companies, there are many fears associated with the introduction of the new system:

Is this going to take all summer, fall and the rest of the year?
‍
Can I transfer my old data to a new system?

What if the staff doesn't learn how to use the system?

Often these worries stem from previous bad experiences: having been involved in confusing projects that stretched, overworked and caused interruptions in doing the core business.

In the worst case, these have had traumatic effects for entrepreneurs and employees, which makes switching from one system to another scares and even the mere thought of shuddering, even if one knows the shortcomings and challenges of the current system in everyday life.

Juha-Matti Tahkola, Fondion implementation specialist, identify these fears well:

Monihan sees the introduction as a big bogeyman based on previous experiences.

In Fondion's case, however, implementing modern ERP is a completely different world. When things are thoroughly worked out with the customer and a clear plan for the implementation is made, the customer will find that everyday life continues completely normally and, in fact, becomes significantly easier after the introduction of the new system.

— Juha-Matti Tahkola, Deployment Specialist

Fondion 6-Step Deployment: Simplicity Above

Fondion has a clear and efficient 6-step deployment model that was built from the ground up recognizing the needs of the construction industry. The goal is to make the transition as easy as possible for the customer: without unnecessary load or uncertainty.

1. Initial mapping

Fondion's experts have in-depth knowledge of your company's current processes, practices and objectives. Each customer gets their own developer who builds and prepares the Fondion environment just for your needs.

2. Deployment plan

We will draw up a clear and phased plan with schedules and responsibilities. This ensures a smooth and efficient deployment.

3. Working together

The implementation plan will be carried forward together with the customer. Together we will think and brainstorm for the client a calculation library that will serve their company in the best possible way. Here we take into account your previous calculations and the will state, what the customer wants to take into account in the calculation.

4th. Data transfer and system settings

Fondion handles the necessary data transfers on behalf of the customer. Typically, projects, customer data, employees, and bid bases are transferred, among other things.

Calculation libraries are prepared, based on the actual costs of your company. At the same time, the wholesale price lists that you use are imported into the system.

5. Deployment Training

Tailor-made workshops ensure that every team -- whether it's computing or finance -- learns exactly what it needs to do in their respective roles.

We help different teams — for example those involved in accounting and financial management — and have our own meetings with them so that everyone gets exactly the help they need,” says Tahkola.

6. Support and further development

Fondion does not disappear after introduction. Support is easy to reach and customers are offered the opportunity for further training as needed. At the same time, Fondion is developing at a tremendous pace, and customers have the opportunity to be involved in influencing the development.

kuvauskaavio Fondionin käyttöönotosta yleisellä tasolla ja mitä siellä tapahtuu — Contrary to popular belief, in practice Fondion's commissioning team does most of the work. Together, we ensure that the environment fully meets your company's needs, and that your employees know how to use the easy-to-use system in their daily lives.

How do we ensure the smoothness and compatibility of data transfer?

One of the most common concerns when replacing a system is the transfer of data from the old system. Fondion's experts are responsible for this: the customer provides the necessary information and we take care of the rest — including testing and verification.

You don't need to know everything yourself. We ensure that the customer's data is transferred correctly and the system works as it should.

—Juha-Matti Tahkola, Deployment Specialist, Fondion

Sometimes the client is built on their wishes for example computation completely redesigned structures so that everything is based on the actual costs of the company, and serve the business as best as possible.

Sometimes, when deploying, you may notice that the client may be nervous about whether they have done something wrong in the past, when the calculation has been done, for example, in Excel. The truth is that everyone has done things the way they see fit until then, and together we put things in order to serve the company even better in the future.

This enables easier and smoother everyday life both on site and in the office, while enabling a more profitable business.

—Juha-Matti Tahkola, Deployment Specialist, Fondion

Cost control — transparently and without surprises

The price of the introduction often raises questions. Fondion's operating principles include full transparency: the customer knows in advance where to pay and what to get. No additional charge has been made in Fondion's history in connection with the introduction.

The costs are therefore not created unexpectedly, but the entire deployment is openly priced. When the commissioning process has been thought to be easy from the start, it is also light in price.

How do you get staff to engage and make full use of the system?

The system is effective only when it is put in place by staff. Fondion has put a special emphasis on this: the trainings are clear, role-specific and practical.

We're not just going to show you some pieces. We will review the situations that customers face in everyday life — and show how Fondion makes them easier,” says Juha-Matti Tahkola.

Fondion's interface is built specifically from the point of view of the construction industry: it is simple, clear and visual. Even new users learn the basics quickly and support is always available.
‍
This is also a theme, which is clearly echoed in customer feedback about Fondion.

Fondion-kokemuksia asiakkaiden kirjoittamana. Aluksi käyttöönotto jännitti, lopulta sen huomasi sujuneen todella hyvin. — Many are excited by the introduction, which is completely normal. At least as normal is that Fondion customers praise how flexible the rollout is going.

Implementing an ERP system — Investing for a better future?

Fondion's customers report rapid benefits even after the first few weeks of deployment: better visibility into projects, fewer errors in bid calculation, smoother invoicing and less manual work in financial management.

The commissioning process ran smoothly and we received prompt service to any issues that arose during the process. Our development proposals have also been responded to with due seriousness. Fondion's system has brought greater efficiency to our organization's operations and a clear platform for the comprehensive sharing of project data.

— Sami Niemi, AMP Group Oy, Business Manager, Furnishing.

Quite often, the deployment is excited. Very quickly, however, the tension begins to erupt, leaving a smile on the delicate face of both the Fondion team and the customer.

A typical deployment can be completed in as little as a few weeks, depending on the size of the company and the baseline. Fondion's deployment model is not a mass solution, but is implemented precisely according to the needs of the company in question, whether it is a small, medium or larger construction company.

Fondion's customer base is similar: everyone works in the construction industry, but the company's turnover categories range from startups to larger operators with several tens of millions of sales.

However, the basic needs are the same: to make everyday life easier both on the site and in the office, and to be able to manage everything in one system.

Summary: When the Right Partner Makes the Hard Easy

Implementing a new system is no longer a bogeyman when choosing a modern ERP system. With Fondion's expert team, a clear process and a system developed to meet the specific needs of the construction industry, the transition is surprisingly straightforward.

Fondion makes the rollout smooth: without unnecessary stress, without any hidden costs, and without months-long chaos.

But who are we to say it ourselves: fortunately, ease of implementation and support are a recurring theme, which we hear from the mouths of our ever-growing customer base as feedback.

asiakkaiden kokemuksia Fondionin tuesta, koulutuksista ja käyttöönotosta. Lainaukset heidän sanomisistaan ja nimet titteleineen. — Better to let customers know how they felt about the rollout, because that's the only way Fondion will be able to continuously develop its operations.

Are you interested in uncomplicated deployment and more efficient everyday life?

Hopefully, this article clarified the issues of implementing a modern ERP system and showed how Fondion makes it as uncomplicated as possible.

If you want to deepen your understanding or discuss the specific needs of your company, book a free consultation with a Fondion specialist. We are happy to help you find the best solution for your needs.