ERP Release Management Specialist

As an ERP Release Management Specialist at Wrist, your primary responsibilities will include managing the release process of the ERP system, developing a release calendar, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring smooth and efficient deployment of updates and patches. You will also conduct post-release reviews and work closely with ITIL frameworks to enhance the release management process continuously.

To qualify for the ERP Release Management Specialist position at Wrist, applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or a related field, alongside about 7-10 years of experience in ERP release management or IT service support. An ITIL certification is highly desirable, demonstrating familiarity with vital ITIL components like Change Management and Release Management.

At Wrist, compliance with ITIL standards is achieved by integrating best practices into the release management process. As the ERP Release Management Specialist, you will be responsible for aligning all release activities accordingly, ensuring proper documentation, and incorporating feedback from stakeholders to continuously improve processes.

Teamwork is integral to the role of an ERP Release Management Specialist at Wrist. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as IT, development, and business stakeholders, to ensure all ERP releases are executed efficiently. Your position will require you to act as a primary point of contact, ensuring effective communication and coordination throughout the release lifecycle.

In the ERP Release Management Specialist role at Wrist, you will work with notable ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics AX, focusing on their release processes. Familiarity with release management tools like Freshservice, ServiceNow, or JIRA is also preferred, as they will be crucial for maintaining an efficient and organized release management workflow.

To manage the release process for an ERP system effectively, begin by developing a comprehensive release calendar that outlines all updates, patches, and new features. Make sure to coordinate with stakeholders to define scopes, timelines, and testing requirements, ensuring each release is executed flawlessly without disrupting business operations.

In my previous roles, I actively employed ITIL best practices, particularly in change and release management. I ensured processes adhered to these standards for efficiency and compliance, regularly participating in ITIL training and applying principles in daily operations.

Handling issues during deployment involves proactive monitoring of the release process. I maintain open communication with the infrastructure and operations teams, allowing for rapid troubleshooting. Additionally, having a rollback plan in place ensures that if issues arise, we can revert to the last stable state quickly.

I keep stakeholders updated by holding regular meetings leading up to a release, where I outline the schedule, expected impacts, and progress. Following up with written communications, like emails or reports, provides a clear and accessible overview of the release's status.

Post-release reviews typically include gathering feedback from involved stakeholders and assessing release outcomes against objectives. I facilitate a meeting to discuss what went well, what could be improved, and document lessons learned to refine future releases, incorporating stakeholder feedback into enhanced strategies.

I have utilized various release management tools like JIRA for tracking issues, ServiceNow for managing workflow, and Azure DevOps for building and deploying solutions. Each tool aids in maintaining transparency and organization throughout the release pipeline.

Prioritizing ERP releases effectively involves evaluating each release's impact on business operations and aligning it with organizational goals. By working closely with stakeholders, I ensure that higher-priority releases are addressed first, while maintaining a flexible schedule to adapt to changes.

One challenge I've faced is aligning timelines and priorities of different stakeholders, which I addressed by establishing a clear communication plan and regularly scheduling check-ins. This fostered collaboration and kept everyone informed, enabling smoother adaptation to changes.

I ensure proper documentation for each release by developing a checklist that outlines all necessary documentation requirements. This includes testing results, approval records, and rollout steps, making sure all stakeholders have access to this information for future reference.

Version control is crucial in ERP release management as it provides a clear history of changes, enables rollback capabilities in case of issues, and fosters better collaboration among teams by ensuring everyone is working with the latest version of releases and documentation.