Global ERP programme

Initially I worked with RI Asia to develop a standard finance process model (covering GL, AR and AP activity; to be deployed using Dynamics NAV and a specialist AR package) as the basis for improved control, a standard organisation and shared services in the region and for further rollout in Europe and South Africa. In parallel, I worked with senior stakeholders in the UK to define the global programme, select implementation partners and the AR software.

With the model defined and suppliers selected I then oversaw the software development, acted as design authority for changes to either the standard process or local exceptions, did the high-level planning for the deployments in Asia and EMEA, created the materials used in the kick-off meetings, set up the governance and risk management structures, managed the budget (approx. £7m), supervised the central team (eight people in Europe & Asia), and liaised with IT to deliver network and hardware upgrades and integrate into the support team. On a monthly basis I reported to the programme steering committee (including CFO, Controller and CIO).

The initial implementations were in Malaysia and Portugal (Jan. 2012), with six more countries now live and eight others in progress or planned for this year. The next phase of the programme – rollout to other European countries, North and South America – has been postponed until 2015 whilst a new CEO reviews business priorities.