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Change Management: 11 Secrets to successful ERP Implementation in 2023

Updated: Jan 17

The unpredictable change ushered in by the pandemic has forced us to evolve.


We have become accustomed to changing operations swiftly and frequently, often without much notice.


And that's where change management skills will play an essential part in the coming year.


Image of compass indicating 2023 direction of Change Management


Many organizations have realized their dependence on their ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system.


Others are awakening to the opportunities that it might mean for their business.


And for all, there are challenges to adaptation and implementation.


But anticipating change doesn't exactly make it simpler to evolve.


It takes time for staff to adapt to and integrate new habits or expectations whenever a team or business undergoes significant change.


To get started, consider the following 11 best practices


Many organizations rely heavily on their ERP systems, so it's essential to have a plan in place for adjustments.


Selecting a partner adept at ERP implementation and change management can help with that.


ERP change management is the procedure for organizing, carrying out, and keeping track of modifications to an ERP system. It ensures that adjustments are made effectively and safely with the least possible impact on business operations.


In this blog, we'll talk about 11 Top Practices for ERP change management.


You can ensure that modifications to your ERP system are made successfully and smoothly by working with your ERP partner and adhering to these best practices:


#1 Begin with a distinct vision: Adjustments are inevitable with a new ERP system implementation.


While some of these changes will be minor, others will have a more significant impact.


Regardless of the extent of the change, everyone working on the project must be aware of its eventual purpose.


Choosing which improvements to implement can be challenging without a clear vision.


Even if you successfully make all the appropriate choices, it may still be challenging to win over stakeholders to clarify how the changes will help the business.


Spend some time creating a clear vision for the future of your business before you start making any changes.


Concentrate on the most significant adjustments, making it simpler to convince stakeholders to support the project.


#2 List the parties involved and their requirements: Your ERP project's success hinges on getting buy-in and support from all relevant stakeholders.


You must comprehend what each stakeholder needs and wants from the project to achieve this.


Then, create a change management strategy to benefit all parties.


Defining your ERP project stakeholders:


First, make a stakeholder map depicting the stakeholders and their relationships to the project. Understanding the stakeholder connections and identifying any possible points of contention can make your transition smoother.


Understanding the needs of the stakeholders comes next. It's critical to solicit feedback from as many stakeholders as possible to know their requirements. Use focus groups, questionnaires, and interviews to accomplish this.


This knowledge will enable you to create a change management strategy that considers the requirements of all stakeholders, increasing the likelihood that the project will succeed by ensuring everyone is on board.


#3 Establish a communication strategy: Changes in how individuals operate are inevitable with an ERP system.


While some of these adjustments will be minor, others can be more substantial. In either instance, it's crucial to inform everyone affected by the change.


A communication strategy ensures that everyone is aware of the expectations and is on the same page.


It should contain details like who needs to be informed about the change, what it is, when it will occur, and how people may seek assistance if required.


Your ERP change management endeavor can succeed if you have a strong communication strategy.


#4 Create an ERP training program: An ERP training plan ensures that all personnel using the new system know how to use it.


Training is crucial because it empowers users to feel confident when using the system efficiently and helps keep corporate activities running smoothly.


The following factors are worth considering when creating an ERP training plan:

  • Who requires training?

  • What kind of training do they need?

  • When must they be trained?

  • How are they going to be trained?


After determining the answers to these questions, you can create a training program that will fit your organization's needs and guarantee everyone's preparation for the transition.


#5 Offer constant assistance: The best ERP systems allow you to adapt to the growth and changes in your firm.


Current employees need continuing support to ensure that existing employees are using the system correctly and leveraging all its features.


New employees will also need system training as they come on board.


The following are some examples of ongoing support:

  • Online help materials

  • User guides

  • Video instruction

  • Webinars

  • On-site instruction


Whatever its shape, continual assistance is necessary to ensure optimal use of your ERP system and its capabilities.


#6 Be ready for opposition to change: There will be employees in your business who are reluctant to change when you deploy a new ERP system. They may be content with the status quo and resistant to a new system.


It's crucial to be ready for this opposition and have a strategy to handle it.


Here's some sage advice:

  • Share information about the impending change and its justification early and frequently.

  • Before making the change, get as many individuals to agree as possible.

  • Thoroughly train users on the new system so they feel comfortable using it.

  • Check to see that there is sufficient support after the implementation.

  • Be ready to modify the new system in response to user feedback.


Using these suggestions, you can reduce reluctance to change and ease everyone's transition to the new ERP system.


#7 Support ongoing development: With the right ERP system, you can adapt to the growth and changes in real-time.


Having a change management strategy that can swiftly and effectively respond to these developments is critical.


Adopting a continuous improvement mindset allows you to constantly look for methods to optimize and streamline your operations.


For example, this could include automating laborious manual processes, streamlining intricate workflows, or doing other improvements to increase the effectiveness of your ERP system.


Involving your staff in the change management process is critical. Your employees will regularly use the system and likely provide insightful ideas on improving it.


Your ERP system will always be current and fulfill the demands of your organization if you encourage employee feedback and include them in the process of continual improvement.


#8 Remember the needs of your team: Since your employees will be using the new ERP system regularly, involving them in the change management process is critical. Informing them of upcoming changes and soliciting their opinions on the system implementation ensures their engagement and enthusiasm.


Additionally, it's crucial to train your staff on how to use the new system and ensure that a support structure is in place if they encounter any issues.


By incorporating your team in the change management process, you can ensure that the switch to the new ERP system goes as smoothly as possible.


#9 Obtain leadership support: When top executives support a change, they can ensure that everyone else in the organization does.


They can explain to workers the significance of the change and assist in resolving any issues.


To ensure the success of the change, leadership can put financial backing in place.


Finally, leadership can be a source of inspiration for workers to ease the pain of change.


#10 Keep things basic: A new ERP system implementation may result in many adjustments.


While some of these changes will be minor and inconsequential, others will be important and need everyone to adjust to a new working style.


Concentrate on the latter and ensure your modifications are as easily understood as possible.


The last thing you want is for your staff to become resistant to the change because it is complicated.


Therefore, when developing your ERP change management strategy, keep it straightforward and concentrate on the most crucial changes.


Doing this may increase the likelihood that your workers will accept the changes and that the implementation will go well.


#11 Choose the right implementation partner: Success depends on effective change management, whether you're upgrading or deploying a new ERP system.


Working with a partner knowledgeable in ERP installations and adaptations makes good strategic sense for your business.


Selecting a partner with a proven track record in successful ERP implementations and upgrades will ensure that you are not missing any vital points in the design of your system.


Your experienced partner knows all the right questions to ask so that there are no surprises – or additional expenses – at the end of the project.


About Dynamic Success Group


Dynamics Success Group is an experienced Microsoft Value Added Reseller and consulting partner that provides Microsoft ERP and CRM solutions to small and mid-sized business clients in North America.


We empower organizations like yours to compete better, improve work processes, and make informed decisions.


For 25+ years, we’ve transformed hundreds of companies to achieve more, using fewer resources while reducing costs.


We love solving business problems with technology.


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