1. ERP project team preparation implementation process In general there are three basic approaches to implementation: Pilot, Parallel, and Big Bang. In the Pilot implementation, a specific functional area is implemented first. This can be across all facilitics in a multi-plant environment. The idea is to prioritize the functional areas and implement them in the order that provides the most benefit first. This requires a great deal of interface programming to maintain the data flows between the legacy system and the new module being implemented. It is also the lowest risk alternative. if the pilot implementation technique is the least risk, it also takes the most time as each module is rolled out. A second alternative is a Parallel implementation. Some ERP suppliers prefer this method since the issue of data integrity and migration are, for the most part, avoided(Xu et al., 2002). Data integrity is the process of evaluation and cleanup of data prior to migration into the new system. It is the same old story"GIGO" (Garbage In, Garbage Out). However, this method requires extraordinary effort from employees since each transaction must be entered into the existing system and then into the new system. If the employee is interrupted transactions may be entered into one system, but not the other causing all kinds of"fun" looking for the cause of the variance in the data. This is a moderate risk alternative. The last of the three implementation approaches is the Big bang! Why is it called this Its name is derived from the process taken to A firm prepares implement the new ERP system tests, trains, does everything possible to get ready, and then over a weekend or a few days the data in the old system is migrated to the new one. On Monday morning everyone in the company starts using the new system and the old one is simultaneously turned off. This is the most risky alternative. There will always be unforeseen and unexpected events. Several famous companies have been caught in this trap. Mostly high technology companies that thought it could not happen to them, found that it could A variation on the Big Bang approach is to combine it with a phased approach. This entails a series of"mini-bangs" that effect a logical portion of the business. One example uses a division-by-division approach where each one uses a Big Bang to migrate to the new ERP system. A second example might use a functional approach, however this requires interfacing while both systems are running their parts of the company, i e. finance goes first with the new system across all divisions at one time, followed by manufacturing and customer support