ERP Implementation “people first – not technology”

Is your team overwhelmed and frustrated by legacy systems? It is important to remember that when you are choosing and looking for the best ERP system, choosing technology alone will not fix the existing problems. Why?

Because technology is an enabler, not a total solution. This software does not solve the problem by itself. However, your employees are the key to solving this problem, both from top level management to workers who must be involved in implementing the ERP system. Because ERP implementation is a large project that will bring significant changes to the company in the future.

After all, your team members are the people who are responsible for tasks, determine what decisions or steps to take, develop ideas and programs, interact with customers, and work together to achieve maximum results.

Let's explore the important ways in including human roles in the process of selecting and implementing an ERP system.

Prioritize the human experience

Did you know that Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates once said that

“The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t really even notice it, so it’s part of everyday life.”

Good technology is technology that must fit in with our daily lives. Where employees certainly want a system that can work and is easy to use in everyday life. People who prioritize employee experience tend to gravitate towards modern cloud-based ERP solutions.

Humans can “make or break” implementation projects

Choosing the best ERP software is of course the first step. However, the success of ERP Implementation cannot be separated from the role of humans in configuring the software for your specific business needs. The role of employees who are experienced in the field of configuring the required device or system is required.

The failure factor in ERP implementation is the lack of involvement and support from people who have an important role in your business. Like :

• All employees are not involved in planning and making decisions
• Poor communication results in wasted time, increased costs and slows down problem resolution
  
• Employees do not understand or like the new system so that successful ERP implementation is difficult to achieve
  

Upgrading a legacy system is a large project with long-term business effects that will be felt for years. Top level management support, internal project management, relationships with your ERP partners, and staff and management training are all important.

Involve your employees in carrying out improvements

Start at the beginning of your process — involve “key team members” from all areas that are influential in implementing this system. This is certainly very helpful in identifying existing obstacles and bottlenecks, information and workflow, functional requirements, and critical aspects of the new system that will be implemented.

This certainly really helps you and your ERP implementation partners to focus on implementing technology that truly provides the expected strategic business benefits, such as:

• Improved customer service
• Faster and more accurate workflows
  
• Better use of resources to improve cash flow
  
• Simplified reporting and data-driven decisions
  

The best ERP System Partner is a partner who is professional and experienced

Avoiding a bad implementation really depends on who you work with on your ERP implementation project. A good partner is a partner who is able to listen, show their understanding, and communicate well with the entire team. Choose a partner who aligns with your team, makes it easy for the team to understand, solves problems, and keeps the team motivated to achieve shared project goals. And be able to apply the following things:

The following is an explanation of why ERP implementation is "people first – not technology". Check out this interesting article about other features in SAP Business One. Stay Tuned