What distinguishes ERP project management from key users?

If you have ever had a ERP project If you have already carried out an ERP project, or are even planning one, you have probably heard of the key user and project manager. You probably also know that an ERP project can sometimes resemble a large construction site - at the latest when no one knows what anyone else is doing and everything becomes more and more expensive. That is why it is important that the tasks of Key user*and the project management are clearly defined. This is especially true as they overlap in some places.

Like communication, for example, actually especially in communication. Because communication is the be-all and end-all of successful project management:

Project management: Everything in view and still an eye for detail

While the project leader is always in charge of the ERP implementation as a whole and keeps an eye on it, key users are only ever responsible for one department. This means that there can be several key users. In small companies, only one person takes on this task. The key user is the contact and information point for his or her colleagues and therefore often comes from the company itself. The project leaders are also staffed externally and therefore communicate more formally, e.g. via circular e-mails. However, this does not mean that the project manager is free from interacting with stakeholders. Both project leaders and key users should practice empathy, as the success of the project depends on whether everyone is involved in the end.

Who has what to say to whom

Since the Project management but is the one making decisions and announcements, this person should definitely have certain management qualities, but also be able to interact well with the key users, as they often have the better insight internally. The project manager also has the task of supporting the key user - and: here you work as a team! Therefore, the key user and the project manager should get together before the project begins. Then it can be determined how, when and where communication will take place during the project. In addition, tasks can be distributed and it can be discussed how they can be reconciled with the daily business of the key users. The project manager also has the task of coordinating with the management to ensure that the key users are not overburdened. This should not happen, because the work of the key users is also important for the project, as they have the task of getting all employees on board and keeping them there. The project manager, on the other hand, has the stronger (authoritarian) contact with the management, which should also use this contact if, for example, there is an overload.

If you are interested in how you can get your employees on board with the ERP project, then read more here.