How can you manage change and training when adopting an ERP system?

1 Assess your needs and goals

Before you choose an ERP system, you need to assess your current situation and identify your needs and goals. What are the problems or gaps that you want to solve or fill with an ERP system? What are the benefits and risks of implementing an ERP system? How will it align with your business strategy and vision? How will it affect your customers, suppliers, and partners? You need to answer these questions and document your requirements and expectations clearly and realistically.

2 Involve your stakeholders

An ERP system affects many people across your organization, so you need to involve them from the start. You need to identify your key stakeholders, such as managers, employees, customers, suppliers, and partners, and communicate with them regularly. You need to explain the purpose, scope, and benefits of the ERP system, and listen to their feedback, concerns, and suggestions. You also need to assign roles and responsibilities to your stakeholders, such as project sponsors, champions, team members, and end users, and ensure they have the resources and support they need.

3 Choose the right vendor and system

There are many vendors and systems available in the market, so you need to do your research and compare them carefully. You need to evaluate their features, functionalities, costs, benefits, and drawbacks, and see how they match your needs and goals. You also need to consider their reputation, experience, support, and compatibility with your existing systems and infrastructure. You need to ask for demos, references, and testimonials, and negotiate the best deal for your budget and timeline.

4 Plan and manage the implementation

Once you select the vendor and system, you need to plan and manage the implementation process. You need to define the scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk of the project, and monitor and control them throughout. You also need to test the system before going live, and fix any issues or errors that arise. You need to coordinate with the vendor, your stakeholders, and your IT department, and ensure they follow the agreed protocols and standards. You need to document the changes and updates, and report the progress and results.

5 Train and support your users

One of the most critical aspects of adopting an ERP system is training and supporting your users. You need to design and deliver effective training programs that cover the technical and functional aspects of the system, as well as the changes in workflows, processes, and roles. You need to tailor the training to the different levels and needs of your users, and use various methods, such as online, classroom, or on-the-job training. You also need to provide ongoing support and guidance to your users, such as manuals, help desks, or mentors, and encourage them to use the system and give feedback.

6 Evaluate and improve the system

After you launch the ERP system, you need to evaluate and improve it continuously. You need to measure the performance, outcomes, and impacts of the system, and compare them with your goals and expectations. You need to collect and analyze data, such as user satisfaction, productivity, quality, and profitability, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the system. You also need to solicit and incorporate feedback from your stakeholders, and make adjustments and enhancements as needed. You need to keep up with the changes and updates in the system, and ensure it meets your current and future needs.