ERP introduction: convincing employees

ERP software is not the only guarantee for success. The ERP users must also be convinced when it is introduced.

Versino Financial Suite for SAP Business One Finance

Everyone involved trembles before an ERP project. A lot of money is involved and there are a lot of decision-makers. Accordingly, attempts are made in advance to minimise every risk. Often, only the technical hurdles are considered and the project fails due to communication gaps. Or rather: not that ERP project but the subsequent use of the system. The promised success often fails to materialise, leaving users frustrated instead.

The large, unknown system

In the best-case scenario, managers are used to calculating the future and to dare new steps. Your salaried employees rather less. As a result, they tend to be sceptical about changes to work processes. And these go hand in hand with the introduction of a ERP software accompanied. Fear of losing familiar processes and a feeling of surveillance and automation of their activities makes the new system a threat. And people are fighting back.

However, there are ways to ward off this resistance in advance. If instead the management succeeds in convincing the future users of the system, they have gained an important guarantee of success. The three T's - transparency, timing, trend - are helpful anchor points for successful employee integration.

transparency

..is probably the most important point if you want to convince your employees of a New ERP implementation want to convince. You probably know this yourself: If you feel ignored, it's usually already too late. Apart from that, it can also be an advantage for the software if the employees are involved - after all, they know the system best. You may need to consult a Advisor in addition. They know how to integrate the employees in the ERP project without it becoming destructive.

Timing

...is also part of it at this point. You should wait for the point when there is enough information. For example, it should be clear when the ERP project will take place. Anything else only causes confusion and supports false reports in the office grapevine. It is best to create a standardised information channel, such as a forum on the intranet or a news letter. If possible, also reinforce the information at face-to-face events (e.g. conferences). This makes it present and lends it seriousness and importance.

Trend

...is ERP. Make the new system attractive for your employees. After all, the software not only helps the company, but also each individual employee in their daily work. Demonstrate how optimised functions and processes can relieve the burden of routine work and leave more space for creative tasks. Or simply less working time. It is said that people who (have to) work less are more motivated and stay at a job longer.

Completing a successful ERP implementation

Basically, it is good if you create a generally positive feeling in the context of the ERP project and demonstrate to your employees that the introduction offers them many positive opportunities to work effectively and independently. This avoids the rumour of an automated control culture. training courses after the implementation of the system then take care of the rest. An ERP consultant can be of great help here.

SAP B1 blog