Why a Shared Sense of Purpose is so Important for ERP and CRM Projects

Successful ERP and CRM Projects are those that “stand the test of time” and this is usually where all members of the team have a shared sense of purpose.

A shared sense of purpose is hard to continually communicate. ERP or CRM Projects evolve, new team members arrive, and employees may come and go. There are many moving parts, which is why it is critical for the leadership team to always be communicating the reality of the situation and what the "win" will look like when you get there. And, most importantly, what everyone's role is in helping to achieve that goal.

Characteristics of a Successful Project

In our experience, there are some common characteristics around the people side of ERP and CRM Projects that will contribute to a successful project. This is particularly relevant with complex implementations that stretch over many months and sometimes even multiple years.

• Set project milestones at realistic “bite sized chunks”. This way you can manage, communicate and celebrate success with your team in short timeframes.
• Only customise the ERP or CRM solution if there is an absolute need to or a strategic advantage. This will ensure a faster and better focused implementation.
• Encourage your staff to be flexible and adopt the new system’s way of doing things.
• Address any staff resistance or cultural challenges that may threaten the project.
• Identify risks early and deploy effective mitigation plans. Board members will require this.
• Ensure people in your team feel that they will be fully supported and heard throughout the journey.
• Invest in relentless communication so that each individual has awareness of the need to change and the desire to participate in the transition to a new ERP system.
• Foster positive and collaborative relationships between your Vendor, your staff and any external consultants so that the entire team is “pulling in the same direction”

"There are a couple of factors in making a project as successful as ours was, and I'd say specifically it was about being really clear on the scope of the project and then frequent and open communication along the way to make sure we were meeting all of our milestones" Kate - Managing Director

Emotional Cadence and Communications

We have learned over many decades in the ERP and CRM industry that tracking the emotional cadence of a project is key to keeping all staff and team members interested and committed to the very end.

Most ERP and CRM Projects start out with much energy and enthusiasm and make some progress toward the desired and planned goals. Some even deliver the benefits and outcomes originally envisioned. Yet a significant majority fail to deliver the expected benefits because energy wanes and the project leadership team loses focus.

It is therefore imperative that you constantly know status and cadence. It’s absolutely vital to know when you’re “off track” and where to apply effort to get you and your team back “on track”.