ERP solutions adopted into an office or manufacturing plant should benefit a variety of employees. An independent study shared by CIOReview found many companies upgrade to cloud-deployed ERP software to make information more available for all users and to improve the quality of the existing information systems. These advantages should help employees – particularly those who aren’t IT experts – make use of business software solutions.
It’s important end users recognize that ERP projects should provide them with convenient tools and operational insight. Also, the company should locate the individuals at every level who show excitement for a better access to information. Executive buy-in is helpful for successful change management, but the workers in the front office, on the shop floor and out meeting customers will play a huge part in successful deployment.
Searching for investment
What ERP success factors should a company plan to target for their project? Retailers, software developers and product manufacturers need to document specific tasks that ERP solutions should improve. It’s best to design these goals with input from end users, so employees know they are a vital part of the implementation process.
When managers meet with workers to discuss ERP integration into daily operations, they should ask where problems exist and improvements are necessary. Business.com said decision-makers should model enthusiasm so end users can follow suit. Treat ideas like the valuable input they are and keep communication open.
If an employee contributes plenty of feedback, communicates specific needs and is open to changes, this person can be a valuable addition to an implementation team.
Utilizing enthusiastic employees
Wired magazine suggested organizations implementing new software solutions should place specific people in charge of change management. Smaller businesses may get by with a single individual working with an ERP partner, but if a company has multiple departments, representatives from each level should be involved in the ERP project.
Employees that show interest in innovative products and strategies like mobile computing and cloud-deployed platforms typically approach initiatives with open minds. During implementation planning meetings, they can serve as the voice of end users and help ensure the company’s success.
As a company works with an ERP partner to adopt new business solutions, enthusiastic implementation team members serve as examples for other employees. They implement technology at the same time as their co-workers, run into the same obstacles and provide production line personnel or sales agents with a direct link to decision-makers.
Maintaining enthusiasm
Excitement can be a limited resource. An employee who supported the ERP implementation at first, may lose interest or even turn against the project if it seems more trouble than it’s worth. Managers should utilize invested workers and keep in contact with them to ensure they stay enthusiastic about the ERP project.
End users may be hesitant to speak up if they believe go-live dates are more important to the organization than employee satisfaction. If a worker from a specific department is part of an implementation team, he or she needs to represent the requirements of their operations and speak up when troubles present themselves. Businesses should work with their ERP consultants and create appropriation implementation schedules.
