Change management for a new ERP system
What impact does an ERP system have on your organisation?
When implementing an ERP, the crucial aspect of guiding and supporting employees to embrace change is often overlooked. They will be the ones working with the new system day in day out.
Companies often focus on the big picture, neglecting the direct impact on the daily tasks of the employees. Failure to address this impact may result in resistance and even people leaving the company. To ensure ongoing employee engagement and motivation, a proper change management approach is essential both during the ERP implementation and post-Go Live phase.
What is change management?
Change management is a structured approach to guiding organizations smoothly through transitions such as implementing a new ERP system. It involves good planning, communication and support to minimize resistance and maximize success.
Why change management matters
The successful adoption of an ERP system depends on employees’ ability to both understand and embrace the changes to business processes, feeling ready and prepared to begin working with the system. Change management guarantees that your team understands the reasons and benefits behind the transition, aligning their mindset with the objectives of the ERP implementation.
Resistance to change is a common challenge in ERP implementations. Change management strategies help identify sources of resistance and address them proactively through communication, engagement, and involvement of key stakeholders. It opens up lots of opportunities to keep employees extra motivated.
Your investment in an ERP system goes beyond the software itself. Change management aims to minimizing disruptions and ensuring a quicker return on investment by guiding and training your end users.
5 tips to make employees feel comfortable with an ERP system
At Amista, we guide our clients through this transformative process by following The ADKAR model (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement). This model helps to empower the clients’ teams and navigate change effectively.
Here are some tips aligned with the ADKAR model for an effective ERP system and change management approach:
Ensure that employees are well-informed about the reasons and significance of the new ERP system. Provide insights of the necessity of the change, its potential benefits, and the risks associated with not adopting it.
Cultivate a personal drive and eagerness within individuals to actively support and engage in the implementation of the new ERP system. Encourage an environment that highlights the positive impact of the change.
Provide comprehensive training and clear communication to ensure deep understanding of the change and equip individuals to navigate the new ERP system effectively, addressing any concerns.
Focus on practical application by providing individuals with the necessary resources and support required for a successful transition. Offer hands-on training and guidance to help individuals develop the skills and capabilities required to embrace the new system in their daily work.
Sustain the change by celebrating successes and reinforcing positive outcomes. Recognize and reward those who actively embrace the change, fostering a culture of continuous improvement withing the organization.
Guidance and training by SAP consultants
The Amista learning team assists in establishing and integrating a (blended) learning strategy, using our proven Learning & Change Methodology framework, ZEN. ZEN is adaptable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your workforce. Our commitment goes beyond implementation; we guarantee comprehensive training for your employees, fostering confidence in utilizing the new system. Helping users adapt to a new ERP system is another way to making sure they embrace the change.
Would you like to find out more about change management?
Or do you have questions about supporting employees to use a new ERP system?