Why Many ERP Projects Fail: The Missing Skills of Focus, Commitment, and Sheer Will

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) projects often fail due to issues on the provider side, which can indeed be linked to a lack of key skills in ERP consultants. The analogy to John Wick's qualities of being focused, committed, and having sheer will is an interesting way to highlight these crucial skills. Here's a breakdown of how these qualities are essential for successful ERP projects and how their absence can lead to failure:

1. Focus:

• Requirement Gathering and Understanding: An ERP consultant needs to be highly focused on understanding the client's needs and requirements thoroughly. Missing out on critical details can lead to a misaligned system that doesn't meet the client's business processes.
• Attention to Detail: ERP implementations are complex and require meticulous attention to detail. Overlooking small details can result in significant issues during and after implementation.
• Problem Solving: Focus is required to identify, analyze, and solve problems efficiently. A distracted consultant might miss key issues or solutions.

2. Commitment:

• Client Partnership: Successful ERP consultants are committed to their client's success. This involves going beyond just implementing the software to understanding the client's business and ensuring the ERP system supports their strategic goals.
• Long-term Involvement: ERP projects often extend beyond initial implementation into phases of support and optimization. Commitment to the project means being available and responsive throughout the lifecycle of the ERP system.
• Overcoming Challenges: ERP implementations often face unforeseen challenges. A committed consultant is willing to go the extra mile to ensure these challenges are met and the project stays on track.

3. Sheer Will (Perseverance):

• Persistence: ERP projects can be lengthy and taxing, requiring persistent effort to navigate through various phases, including planning, customization, testing, training, and deployment.
• Handling Resistance to Change: Users often resist changes to their workflow. A consultant with sheer will can work through this resistance, ensuring successful user adoption through effective change management strategies.
• Continuous Improvement: After initial implementation, continuous improvement is necessary. A consultant with sheer will strives for ongoing optimization and enhancement of the ERP system to better serve the client's evolving needs.

Why ERP Projects Fail Due to Lack of These Skills

1. Lack of Focus:

• Poor Requirement Analysis: Without focus, consultants might fail to gather and analyze requirements properly, leading to an ERP system that does not fit the business processes.
• Overlooking Key Details: Missing out on important details during the setup and customization phases can cause major issues down the line.

2. Lack of Commitment:

• Inadequate Support: Without commitment, consultants may not provide the necessary support post-implementation, leaving the client struggling with issues and reducing the system’s effectiveness.
• Abandoning Project During Difficulties: Consultants not fully committed to the project may abandon it when significant challenges arise, leading to project delays or failures.

3. Lack of Sheer Will:

• Giving Up Too Soon: ERP projects require perseverance, especially during tough phases. Consultants who lack this may give up when faced with resistance or setbacks.
• Failing to Ensure User Adoption: Without the will to see the project through, consultants might not invest enough effort in training and change management, leading to poor user adoption and underutilization of the system.

Conclusion

The success of an ERP project hinges significantly on the qualities of the ERP consultants involved. Like John Wick, who succeeds through his focus, commitment, and sheer will, ERP consultants need these qualities to navigate the complexities of ERP implementation, manage client expectations, and ensure that the system delivers its intended benefits. Without these attributes, projects are more likely to encounter difficulties and fail to meet their objectives.