How can ERP professionals use data to resolve conflicts?

1 Data as a source of conflict

One of the main sources of conflict in ERP projects is the inconsistency, incompleteness, or inaccuracy of data. Data quality issues can arise from various factors, such as human errors, system errors, outdated information, or lack of standards. These issues can affect the performance, reliability, and usability of the ERP system, as well as the trust and confidence of the users and managers. For example, if the sales data in the ERP system does not match the data in the CRM system, or if the inventory data in the ERP system does not reflect the actual stock levels, there can be confusion, frustration, and blame among the involved parties.

2 Data as a tool for conflict resolution

To resolve data-related conflicts, ERP professionals need to use data as a tool for communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Data can help ERP professionals to identify the root causes of the issues, to verify the facts and evidence, to evaluate the impact and consequences, and to propose and implement solutions. For example, if there is a discrepancy between the sales and inventory data, ERP professionals can use data analysis techniques, such as data profiling, data cleansing, data reconciliation, and data auditing, to find out where and why the error occurred, to correct and update the data, to ensure the data consistency and accuracy, and to report and document the results.

3 Data as a catalyst for conflict prevention

To prevent data-related conflicts, ERP professionals need to use data as a catalyst for continuous improvement and learning. Data can help ERP professionals to monitor and measure the performance and quality of the ERP system, to identify and address the gaps and risks, to optimize and enhance the business processes and workflows, and to share and disseminate the best practices and lessons learned. For example, if there is a recurring issue with the data integration between the ERP and CRM systems, ERP professionals can use data dashboards, data alerts, data governance, and data training to track and resolve the issue, to prevent it from happening again, to ensure the data compliance and security, and to educate and empower the users and managers.

4 Data as a bridge for conflict transformation

To transform data-related conflicts into opportunities, ERP professionals need to use data as a bridge for building relationships and trust. Data can help ERP professionals to understand and respect the different perspectives and needs of the ERP users and managers, to communicate and collaborate effectively and efficiently, to align and harmonize the goals and expectations, and to create and deliver value and satisfaction. For example, if there is a disagreement between the finance and operations departments on how to allocate the resources and budget for the ERP system, ERP professionals can use data visualization, data storytelling, data feedback, and data negotiation to present and explain the data, to listen and empathize with the concerns, to find and agree on the common ground, and to achieve and celebrate the win-win outcomes.

5 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?