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Readiness Resources for ERP Implementation

get access to guidance and resources on implementation readiness

Microsoft Solutions Partner

Understanding the Importance of Project Readiness to Implement ERP

Getting stakeholders ready for a software implementation, such as implementing a new ERP system, is crucial for the success of any project. Stakeholders are the individuals or groups who will be affected by the implementation, and they can include employees, customers, and partners. By preparing stakeholders ahead of time with a detailed implementation plan, you can help ensure a smooth transition to the new software and minimize disruptions to business operations.

When stakeholders are not adequately prepared, they may struggle to adapt to the new system, which can lead to frustration, delays, and even project failure. Therefore, taking the time to get stakeholders ready for a software implementation can make a significant difference in the overall success of the project.

Who belongs on this implementation project?

Identifying Stakeholders

Identifying stakeholders early in the implementation process is crucial for ensuring a successful enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. This involves understanding who will be affected by the implementation and how they will be impacted.

By identifying key stakeholders early, including key team members from various business units, you can get a better understanding of the unique needs and concerns of each group, which can help you tailor your approach to meet their specific requirements.
For example, employees in different business units may have different needs and concerns than customers and may require different types of training or support from the implementation team. By taking the time to understand the unique needs of each stakeholder, including the necessary customization and integration, you can help ensure that they are fully prepared for the implementation and that their concerns are addressed.

This can help to minimize resistance to change, increase engagement, and ultimately, increase the likelihood of success.

According to a study by the Project Management Institute, "Projects are 1.5 times more likely to be successful when stakeholders are effectively identified and managed."

Project Management Institute, Pulse of the Profession® 2021

Managing Expectations for ERP Implementation Project

Managing stakeholder expectations is a critical aspect of implementation readiness. By setting realistic timelines and goals for data migration and configuring the new ERP software, stakeholders will have a better understanding of what to expect during the implementation process. It’s important to be transparent and communicate openly with stakeholders throughout the process, including implementation partners and organizational leaders. This means sharing information about potential challenges and roadblocks, as well as progress made and successes achieved. The project manager plays a key role in this phase, helping to streamline the workflow and oversee the deployment of the cloud ERP solution. By doing so, stakeholders will be better able to understand the status of the implementation and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved.

Conveying the benefits

Communicating With Your Project Team for Effective ERP Implementation Process

Effectively communicating the benefits of a new software to stakeholders, such as a modern ERP system or customer relationship management (CRM) system, is a key component of implementation readiness. By clearly and transparently communicating the benefits of the new software, stakeholders will be better able to understand the value of the implementation and be more likely to embrace it.

It’s important to tailor the message to the different stakeholders and to use language that is easily understandable. However, it’s equally important to address potential concerns and objections upfront, as stakeholders may have reservations about the implementation.

By addressing concerns upfront, stakeholders can be reassured that their needs and concerns are being taken seriously, which can help to build trust and increase engagement. This can also help to minimize resistance to change and ensure that the implementation is successful. Integration of key metrics, ongoing training, and attention to core business processes are critical to the success of any new ERP solution, as is choosing the right ERP system that meets the company’s needs.

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The Importance of Training and Support

Startup Business Team Brainstorming on Meeting Workshop

Training and support are critical components of implementation readiness for any ERP project plan, including those focused on implementing ERP software. It’s not enough to simply deploy new software and expect employees to start using it seamlessly. Without adequate training and support, user acceptance may be low, leading employees to struggle with adopting the new software. This can result in frustration, decreased productivity, and even project failure. Therefore, it’s important to understand the business requirements and provide employees and stakeholders with the training and support they need to be successful during the go-live phase.

This includes:

  • Training: Providing comprehensive training to employees is essential for ensuring that they are comfortable with the new software and are able to use ERP applications effectively. This can include a combination of online training, in-person training, and one-on-one coaching sessions. Training should cover all systems and processes relevant to the employees’ roles within the supply chain management or any other critical function of the company.
  • Support: Ongoing support is also critical for a successful implementation. This means providing employees with a way to get help and ask questions as they start using the new software, whether on-premises or cloud-based. Support resources can include a help desk, online chat support, or other support resources.

You can help ensure a smooth and successful implementation by providing training and support. Employees will be more confident in their ability to use the new software, which can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Additionally, ongoing support can help address any issues that arise and can help employees feel more comfortable and engaged with the new software. Implementing ERP software takes time to implement and affects the entire organization, so it’s crucial that the training and support are aligned with the company needs and new business strategies.

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