The final trials included a 3-week test running the original systems and the new system in parallel. According to project participants, this was the best way to teach future users how to use this tool.
Marcela Burga has the following comments about the final stage:
“Immediately before launching our manufacturing and logistics modules, we found out about difficulties in other countries with the system’s start up, and general management asked us to take every possible precaution. However, our personnel felt they were ready. When we started the system, we found only very small errors.”
Implementation of the accounting modules started in October 1998 and lasted 3 months. The sales and marketing modules took 4 months, starting in January 1999. Youth, a proactive attitude and a greater decision-making capacity among personnel in these divisions led to a fast implementation. By that time, Montero had realized that implementing the ERP system had effectively introduced changes in Alimentos Peru’s business practices that would have a positive impact on the company’s financial position. Some of the changes were the following: