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For many business owners or managers, making the decision to implement a new software system is a difficult one to make. Oftentimes, the changes and risks that come with a software implementation can discourage those business managers who are looking to streamline their company’s processes and improve overall efficiency with a new system. There’s a ton of information out there on the advantages of using an efficient, up-to-date ERP system but not that much on how to properly handle an implementation phase. No Software Provider wants to scare their clients right from the get-go but this is definitely the wrong approach. By not educating the new software users and providing all the necessary information right from the start, all parties will suffer during the implementation phase.
Therefore, to begin with, it’s important to know the possible risks involved in such a project. This can include failure, user resistance, employee stress and anxiety, improper use of the system, misunderstandings, problems, doubts, fear of change etc. In order to ensure that these risks are eliminated or reduced, end user training is definitely required. These trainings will provide employees (or end users) with the right amount of attention and skills needed to help them acclimate to new processes (that have been changed by the new system implementation) as well as to the new system itself.
You can begin by creating a training plan then scheduling it accordingly, by department or simply by department heads and managers. Trainings can be given either in small groups or on a one-on-one basis. Documentation of course will also be provided to ensure that employees can easily access a “how-to” guide on using the system.
Once these trainings are underway, its advantages will be quite evident since trainings can alleviate stress, combat fears, bring acceptance to the system, reduce system errors and misunderstandings. Bottom line, when software users are properly educated on new functionality and processes, it’s a WIN-WIN for everyone! The trainings will teach end users the necessary skills needed to prevent problems and to use the system in the most efficient way possible. Individual performance will improve thus increasing productivity. Business managers will be happy as well as Software Providers.
As a Software Provider, our team truly understands just how important it is to pay attention to the USERS (or employees) and their needs during an implementation phase, rather than on solely the system itself. We realize how difficult this time may be for some people, especially if they have been used to working with the same processes and systems for years and have developed habits and routines in their workplace. Introducing a new software management system, with new processes, can disrupt their work life and this most definitely can cause stress and fear.
As a complete ERP software implementation can typically take about 12 months, it’s important that during this time, everyone is working together, as a team, for a successful and smooth phase. No surprises or headaches!
There comes a point in time when you’ve finally chosen the right ERP management system for your business but the IT provider asks you whether you also want a BI & Analytics solution as an add-on to the system. What should you do?
Many out-of-the-box ERP software suites do have its own analytics & reporting features but they are not as specialized and complete as a separate Business Intelligence add-on solution. What I always suggest to customers is to properly distinguish between the two – what is your ERP system used for and what is your BI solution used for? Read more
I wrote an article on the ‘Top 4 Common Business Software Misconceptions’. Today’s article is a continuation of that blog, but focusing more specifically on the misconceptions related to ERP software systems. These misconceptions have the power to prevent business executives from implementing a fully integrated ERP software solution at their company; which is why […]
I know, I know – we are only in July, so why are we mentioning the upcoming winter Holiday Season already? Well, if you want to implement an eCommerce Store in order start selling online by winter you definitely should start planning, desigining, implementing and marketing the eStore NOW. Read more
Nowadays, with the emergence of the cloud and with all the advancements with mobile devices and apps, business owners are always connected to the office. The workday no longer only starts at 9 AM and ends at 5 PM; it can extend well into the evening, early morning and on the weekends. Work can be done from anywhere and at any time. Technology has allowed us to be able to create a ‘Virtual Office’, giving us access to company data and essentially being able to work from home just as if you are at the office. All you need is a smartphone or tablet and a good Internet connection in order to be connected to your management system out of the office. Let’s take a look at the applications required. Read more
Take a look at today’s infographic to learn about the challenges SMEs face when deciding to implement an ERP software suite at their organization.
The management of clients is an increasing share of business and represents many challenges for the small and medium sized enterprises.
