How can you identify the risks of an ERP change management plan?

1 ERP change management plan

An ERP change management plan is a document that outlines the scope, objectives, roles, responsibilities, activities, timelines, and resources for the ERP change project. It also defines the criteria and methods for measuring the success and impact of the change. An ERP change management plan should align with the business goals and strategy, and reflect the needs and expectations of the stakeholders. An ERP change management plan should be realistic, flexible, and transparent, and should be communicated and updated regularly.

2 ERP change management risks

ERP change management risks are the potential threats or uncertainties that may affect the ERP change project and its outcomes. ERP change management risks can be classified into four categories: technical, organizational, human, and external. Technical risks are related to the ERP system itself, such as compatibility, security, performance, or functionality issues. Organizational risks are related to the business processes and structures, such as alignment, governance, or compliance issues. Human risks are related to the people involved in the ERP change project, such as resistance, skills, or communication issues. External risks are related to the factors outside the control of the ERP change project, such as market, legal, or environmental issues.

3 ERP change management risk identification

ERP change management risk identification is the process of finding and documenting the sources and causes of the ERP change management risks. ERP change management risk identification can be done using various techniques, such as brainstorming, interviews, surveys, workshops, analysis, or audits. ERP change management risk identification should involve the participation and input of the relevant stakeholders, such as the project team, the management, the users, the vendors, or the consultants. ERP change management risk identification should be done throughout the ERP change project lifecycle, as new risks may emerge or existing risks may change.

4 ERP change management risk assessment

ERP change management risk assessment is the process of evaluating and prioritizing the ERP change management risks based on their likelihood and impact. ERP change management risk assessment can be done using various tools, such as matrices, charts, or scales. ERP change management risk assessment should provide a clear and consistent ranking of the ERP change management risks, and should identify the most critical and urgent ones. ERP change management risk assessment should also consider the interdependencies and correlations among the ERP change management risks, as they may amplify or reduce each other.

5 ERP change management risk response

ERP change management risk response is the process of developing and implementing the actions and strategies to deal with the ERP change management risks. ERP change management risk response can be done using various options, such as avoidance, mitigation, transfer, or acceptance. Avoidance is the option of eliminating or preventing the ERP change management risk from occurring. Mitigation is the option of reducing or minimizing the likelihood or impact of the ERP change management risk. Transfer is the option of shifting or sharing the responsibility or cost of the ERP change management risk to another party. Acceptance is the option of acknowledging and tolerating the ERP change management risk. ERP change management risk response should be aligned with the ERP change management plan and the business objectives, and should be approved and supported by the stakeholders.

6 ERP change management risk monitoring

ERP change management risk monitoring is the process of tracking and reviewing the ERP change management risks and their responses. ERP change management risk monitoring can be done using various indicators, such as status, progress, or performance. ERP change management risk monitoring should provide timely and accurate information and feedback on the ERP change management risks and their responses, and should identify any deviations or issues. ERP change management risk monitoring should also trigger any adjustments or corrections to the ERP change management plan and the risk responses, and should report and escalate any significant or unexpected changes or problems.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?