You want to get promoted in ERP. What’s the most important thing you should do?

1 Update your skills

ERP is not a static field. It evolves constantly with new technologies, trends, and best practices. To stay relevant and competitive, you need to update your skills and knowledge regularly. This means learning new ERP modules, features, and tools, as well as the latest industry standards and regulations. You can do this by taking online courses, attending workshops, reading blogs and books, or joining professional networks. Updating your skills will show your managers that you are proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn.

2 Demonstrate your value

Updating your skills is not enough if you don't apply them to your work. You need to demonstrate your value by showing how you contribute to the success of the ERP system and the business. This means delivering high-quality work, solving problems, improving processes, and adding value to your team and clients. You can do this by setting SMART goals, tracking your progress, documenting your achievements, and asking for feedback. Demonstrating your value will show your managers that you are reliable, competent, and valuable.

3 Communicate effectively

ERP is not a solo job. It involves working with different stakeholders, such as users, vendors, consultants, and executives. You need to communicate effectively with them to ensure the smooth operation and alignment of the ERP system. This means listening actively, speaking clearly, writing concisely, and presenting confidently. You also need to use the appropriate communication channels, tools, and formats for different situations and audiences. Communicating effectively will show your managers that you are collaborative, professional, and persuasive.

4 Innovate and optimize

ERP is not a one-time project. It requires continuous improvement and optimization to meet the changing needs and expectations of the business. You need to innovate and optimize the ERP system by finding new ways to enhance its functionality, performance, and usability. You can do this by researching best practices, analyzing data, testing solutions, and implementing changes. You also need to measure the impact and outcomes of your innovations and optimizations, and share them with your managers and stakeholders. Innovating and optimizing will show your managers that you are creative, analytical, and results-oriented.

5 Lead and mentor

ERP is not a simple task. It demands a lot of skills, knowledge, and experience. You need to lead and mentor others who are less familiar or proficient with the ERP system. You can do this by sharing your expertise, providing guidance, offering support, and giving feedback. You also need to delegate tasks, manage expectations, and resolve conflicts. Leading and mentoring will show your managers that you are confident, supportive, and influential.

6 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?