What are the most effective ways to motivate ERP software users?

In my experience with implementation of ERP, for end users, we need to show how using ERP can help reduce their repetitive tasks and improve work efficiency. For example, 1. Explaining accountant that post integration with bank, bank reconciliation tasks which was done manually is automated in future which will improve his productivity can motivate him/her. 2. Explaining PO executive that email will be automatically triggered post approval will save his time in emailing purchase order to vendor will excite him/her. So in summary, as a project manager, the main role is to find out such intangible benefits for group of users and using that for training the users.

Share how the ERP system streamlined order processing as an example for the sales team, reducing order errors by 30% and improving customer satisfaction. Explain why the system is needed, how it will improve their work, and what outcomes are expected. Align the goals and benefits with the users' roles, needs, and pain points, and show them how the system will help them solve their problems, save time, or increase quality.

ERP benefits are well known since there is extensive messaging by the leadership team which gets cascaded through the organization. But adoption is the key. A complex beast with interconnected modules, ERP delivers value only when everyone's on the same page. With a large user base, mere classroom training won't suffice. On-the-job training is essential for ensuring comprehension, application, and confidence. It's like learning a new language. Memorizing grammar isn't enough. You need to speak and listen to become fluent. So don't just tell users about ERP benefits. Show them and allow them to learn on the job. Give them the time and support they need to become proficient users. And once they're up and running, watch the value flow.

In my experience of implementing different ERPs, the key is getting the buy-in from the users and this is not possible unless we clearly show them, how this ERP will benefit them and make their life easy. It is a bitter fact that change is never easy for most of us and the oldest question "What's in it for me?" must be addressed. Having said that, goals and objectives of ERP should be translated in such a manner that users across the company can see the benefits of ERP and to be specific, how this "cumbersome" change will make their life easy in long term. Once this is achieved, users will become pro-active learners and implementation will be a much easier task.

Understanding the benefit is very important but ensuring that you take your staff on the transformation journey is the key to a successful implementation. If you do not involve or have “champions” or “ superusers” in each department it will be difficult to completely underpin the organisations processes. Include the staff member who are so attached to their manual process, the one who says “I have always done it this way” or “why do we have to change or bring technology in”. They are actually the key to a successful implementation as they are likely to be the one who have been with the organisation for years with all the knowledge. Empowering them and involving will really help and they will be vocal on the success

With introduction of ERP in any organisation, it is very important to make understand users that it is not additional overhead they would be handling but its very helpful to them in several ways like: a. Improved efficiency b. Increased productivity c. Elimination of redundant tasks d. Automation e. Monetary Benefits f. Ease of using the system In order to make users comfortable, providing the indepth training of the system is of utmost importance. Making them understand the "AS-IS" vs "TO-BE" system will also prove to be very beneficial. Apart from this, their active participation right from design to implementation phase will make them feel at ease and they will surely look forward for new system on positive side.

The motivation should start from the very beginning. Based on my experience, letting the users know the features of the ERP and how that will make work easy for them before kick starting the project will leave users wanting to see the software come live. Asking them about what they would like to see the ERP solve for them and adding those features will motivate them. Also, training should be carefully executed as their experience during the training can affect their mindset.

Users ..that too front line are the most important people who can become ERP systems Brand Ambassadors. User involvement and engagement will make success of the system. If the system minimises users efforts and maximize their efficiency, naturally they will get motivated. On the job training is the best approach where users directly involved and get practical experience. This will enable them to learn new system. Rewards and recognition for the best users also a motivating factor.

Based on my experience, to motivate ERP software users, it's also vital to engage them by cultivating a culture of strategy. Users should be encouraged to see how modern tools can help them focus on the strategic aspects of their roles, allowing for upskilling and career growth. Continuous feedback, training and recognition are essential to boost motivation and ensure that users maximise the potential For example, consider a purchasing officer who previously spent three weeks on manual work to prepare monthly promotions. After successfully automating their tasks, they found themselves dedicating their time to strategic business involvement and collaborating with vendors and other stakeholders, resulting in significantly improved outcomes."

Getting users involved in the process of finding new ERP software is important to a point. The phrase "Too many cook's in the kitchen" applies. Although it's important to get users involved, being able to get input from everyone might not be realistic. Consider having dedicated group's that work in the same area and then have on or two present for the group.

Maintaining an ongoing program for new user training and refresher training is essential to the ongoing success of an ERP implementation. In my experience, poorly trained users is one of the most common reasons why ERPs or productivity software face adoption issues, or get underutilised, especially in small and midsize organisations. Often, users are well trained during initial implementation, but ongoing programs, when they exist, tend to fade away until people get trained by their-colleague-who-joined-6-months-ago-and-was-also-trained-by-another-colleague, etc. Establish a program, make sure there are ongoing adjustments to the evolving organisation, and you will get a much more supported - and supportive user base.

A method I have used to engage users in ERP training is to consider as much developmental training as you can as compliance training. In order gain security access into certain areas of the system or certain access levels, the user must complete the required training to ensure they know what they are doing and that your systems and data remain safe. It can sometimes be far too easy for a well-meaning user to upend critical data due to lack of understanding. By joining the dots on the need for training with the compliance of system security, there can be more acceptance and tolerance on the users' end as to the need and appreciation for the training in the first place.

One of the key success factors is the "On the Job" (OJT) for the end users. Theoratical training does not help much with ERP. The end users need to dirty their hands during data conversions, Systems Testing, parallel process. Each of these functions need to be embedded in the implementation plan, thus getting trained in the process. What the project team requires is to provide guidance and support in solving the critical and strenuous functions being imolemented.

ERP gives more flexibility and as well as emphasis on accuracy, and effectiveness, this have an ability to integrate with various platform

Training and Support should not be a method for motivation. Training and Support for users should be a standard process when implementing new ERP.

Stories profoundly impact human psychology, resonating deeply and influencing attitudes and behaviors. For ERP adoption, sharing success stories serves as an inspirational beacon, showcasing real-world examples of teams that have seamlessly integrated the system into their routines, achieving noticeable efficiencies or insights. By highlighting these narratives, companies provide clear evidence of the system's potential benefits and offer a roadmap for success, detailing how challenges were overcome and goals were met. Such testimonials, especially from within the organization, foster a sense of fellowship, painting a picture of collective achievement and presenting a vision of what can be accomplished when the system is fully embraced.

This is a tricky part of the entire implementation process. Users need to be recognized and rewarded, giving them time and attention not only regarding the ERP itself but also getting to know them better, if possible. Listen to them, deal with them without ego, open your mind and consider every suggestion they make important.

I believe showing the results of good usage of the system and explaining what it really means is far more important than giving a bonus. Explaining the impact of their good work on others and the organisation gives far better feelings of belonging to a good initiative.

Strong leadership is critical in transition phase to cultivate the new culture and to ensure that everything would be on the right track and would become a new organisational's DNA!

Completamente de acuerdo, y asociado a métricas específicas de desempe?o es muy fácil y enriquecen la cultura de esfuerzo y colaboración de grupo.

Collaboration between users is essential to ongoing motivation, and can also be achieved by creating and supporting a "key user group" with representatives across the different departments or geographies, who can help raise ideas or concerns that are pregnant with their teams. Rather than having users contact a central support team, they can collaborate with individuals closer to them, share ideas and make the software evolve to better fit the current needs of the team or the organisation.

Creating collaborative work groups to look into positive results as well as improvement areas to grow together and build things together is the best motivation

Create forums and user groups for knowledge exchange. Use analytics to spotlight collective achievements and learning areas, making each user a learner and teacher. This fosters not just ERP mastery but also innovation, turning challenges into opportunities for organizational and professional growth

Es muy importante que comprendan lo importante que es para el Curriculum, convertirse en un superuser del ERP, aprovechar los tutoriales y entrenar a otros compa?eros afianzan más el expertise. Todo esto debe de unirse al enfoque estrategico de la información que puede generar del ERP con su expertise para la toma de decisiones, sobre todo si se puede generar información de dashboards útiles para analizar información de manera rápida

Tell users how ERP will benefit them from preparing daily reports which can be automated, how ERP as a centralised DB ensures data integrity is achieved. Tell users how a centralised systems helps them to do the data entry part faster and allows them to spend more time and concentrate on their other tasks. Tell users how ERP can help their team to achieve a harmonised process instead of silo processes.

I firmly believe that every employee brings their unique motivation to the table, which ultimately contributes to the growth and success of the company. As ERP implementation consultants, our primary task isn't to push for motivation; it's to ensure our systems are seamlessly aligned with empowering employees to pursue their goals. If an employee feels demotivated by our system, that's a clear signal that the system itself requires improvement. Our approach should prioritize automation of processes where possible, creating an environment where users genuinely believe the system will facilitate their contributions to the company's overarching objectives.

An ERP system's success largely hinges on its usability. By incorporating a user-centered design approach, you ensure the software is tailored to meet the needs, preferences, and expectations of its primary users. This not only reduces the learning curve but also enhances productivity and satisfaction among users. Involving end-users in the design or customization phase can be especially effective. I have seen that when employees have a say in how the software looks and functions, they're more likely to feel a sense of ownership and pride in using a system they helped shape, which in turn can significantly boost adoption rates.

1. Enhance user experience so that they dont compare the ERP with the software being replaced by ERP 2. Make them understand that they cant expect the ERP to function in the same way as their old one. Make them realize that they cant have old wine in a new bottle 3. Offer new ways of training and training materials so system adoption is faster and smooth

Just be a human being what speak to other human beings. ERP implementation, their kids going to college, their new dog or something else in the live just happens. It’s just another thing we should get along with. Don’t worry, be happy and try to comfort the fellas.

One of the ways to motivate users is to inform them about the advantages and benefits of ERP implementation in the organization. If they properly understand how effective the implementation of this system can be in the effectiveness and efficiency of each of them and ultimately create benefits for the organization that everyone benefits from, they will show a higher participation in the project. This information should be provided to the employees of the organization in a concrete and real way.