How can you effectively communicate the benefits of a new ERP module to skeptical team members?

Understanding the expectations of an ERP stakeholder is key to eliminate skepticism. A stock controller needs to know that inventory levels can be controlled in real time. Salespersons are more effective with accurate demand predictions. Accountants can perform period end and produce financial reports much earlier.

Understanding the skepticism is important and also knowing the why behind looking into a new module. What pain points led to looking into the new module, how easy is the new module vs the current issues. Lastly, what's the ROI for each team is the new module is implemented.

Having conversations and listening to skeptics can be a key element in overall user buy-in and change management. A negative experience, fear of change, and lose of jobs can be some of the reasons for skepticism. Understanding the root can help the team frame solutions and improve adaptation. Being able to show users specific situations where their jobs will change and become more effective can also help. I like to find the most skeptic and find creative ways to convert them, they then become champions. It's always a joy when you hear the skeptic telling others how great the new system will be.

ERP module integration reduces manual data input. An invoice processed by a salesperson in Sales Order Processing generates automatic postings in Accounts Receivable and General Ledger. Most GL journal entries are automatically posted by the processing of source transactions like inventory issues and payments. The accounting department can thus perform more value-added activities.

Providing sample workflows to allow users to see how processes can be simplified is a great way to highlight efficiencies. I once had a group during a workshop time themselves while reviewing the process maps to better understand how much faster entering and dispatching a service request would be.

The effective utilization of any asset is crucial, and since human resources are the most valuable assets , Management should take steps to ensure they are used optimally. Ironically, the best technically skilled resources are frequently tied up with system processes and reporting tasks. Key resources who should be dedicating time to strategic thinking, often get bogged down with system reports and entries. This is where an ERP expert can identify areas for automation. When the new ERP module automates these routine functions, it frees up valuable time for the resources. This exposure to personal benefits ensures their cooperation. So, it's advisable to start, by automating the users' regular, time-consuming tasks to gain trust and co-op.

If you are leveraging the correct methodology and tools training can be enhanced. During your ERP implementation, it's important to understand some users will require one-on-one sessions while others will want other medias for their training. I've had situations where users were more engaged and learned more during my one-on-one sessions with them while others needed video training.