Keeping the Ship Steady: Mastering Change Management

“Implementing a new ERP isn’t just about tech—it’s about people. Change management is crucial to ensure your team adopts the new system and thrives with it.” Elise Webb, a PROSCI change management specialist, shares her tips for navigating the human side of ERP implementation.

Engage Your Team: Preparing for Change

Successfully implementing new systems requires more than just technical setup—it’s about preparing your team for the impact of change. Focus on clear communication and impact assessments to help your team understand how the changes will affect their roles and workflows. When people understand the reasons for change and how it benefits them, they are more likely to embrace it and adapt effectively to the new system.

Distribute the Workload: Preventing Burnout

Relying heavily on a single individual can lead to burnout and jeopardise the success of the entire project. It’s essential to distribute responsibilities across the team to prevent overburdening any one person, encourage collaboration, and ensure that critical knowledge is shared. This approach safeguards the project’s continuity, even in the event of personnel changes, and promotes a more resilient and sustainable execution.

Build a Knowledge Base: Mitigate Risks with Staff Turnover

If all the know-how is locked in one person’s head, you are asking for trouble. Create a knowledge base to document processes and system functionalities. Encourage multiple people to become proficient so the project doesn’t grind to a halt if someone leaves.

Form a Strong Project Coalition: Communication is King

A successful ERP rollout needs strong communication and a solid project coalition. Keep everyone informed, involved, and invested. Regular updates, clear channels for feedback, and open communication align the team and nip concerns in the bud.

Putting It All Together

Change management isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of your ERP success. Engage your team, share responsibilities, build a knowledge base, communicate effectively, and keep everything transparent. It’s not just about installing software, it’s about creating buy in and desire to change day to day process