Are we there yet? R12 upgrade and Retailers
Continuing from my previous blog http://infosysblogs.com/oracle/2008/12/r12_upgrade_whats_in_it_for_re.html
Are we there yet? Has the time come to pick the R12 Version of Oracle eBusiness Suite, it has been on the market for more than two years now, bugs have been reported but stability seems to have been achieved, let us look at what the version offers for Retailers as the dust on the product launch settles...
Two years huh! How many clients with older versions know that, or really think about it?
Very few i think. Most of the organizations are still viewing R12 as an entry to Fusion enabled applications that are not yet stable. While there are the usual set of bugs, but the latest 12.1 version is getting stabler. Oracle has also come up with several Process Integration Packs, which makes the arduous task of integrating the ERP packages with other products come true. Process integration packs have been built using SOA fundamentals as well.
Shifting gears, Retailers are in a tougher situation now than they were last year, some were struggling even when the times were good, excess stores said some, bad assortment said others, but now everyone is focussing on the dropping consumer confidence as the reason. Added to it, traditionally retail investments into systems have been low and enterprise applications are viewed as assets that need to go through the typical seven year depreciation cycle before upgrades are planned.
Putting two and two together,is this any time for upgrading to the latest Oracle ERP platform, isnt it more expensive? With support for the existing going getting stopped,
I think so.
I also think it is no longer a matter of When? but more of How.
There are three basic models of implementations currently in vogue in the market
1. R12 for Master Data Management, with the 11i version continution to operate with a phased migration into the R12 version.
2. Upgrade to R12 - Technical at first and then Functionality implementation rolled in later.
3. R12 Implementation - Business Process reengineering combined with newer functionalities of R12.
What has your experience been, have you seen any other models of implementation? Has your project implemented any other flavor, let me know!
