Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are an integral part of the success of many organizations worldwide. Businesses benefit immensely from their ERP platform’s ability to seamlessly integrate critical applications while accumulating useful data for analysis. In fact, a 2018 report states that 95% of businesses saw an improvement in their processes after ERP implementation
Most organizations use their ERP systems to incorporate functions like resource planning, human resource management, marketing, and sales, inventory management, just to name a few.
Some Implementations Are More Successful Than Others
A 2019 survey showed that 67% of distributors and manufacturers agreed that their ERP implementations were successful. While that number is significant, it also shows that the process is not entirely without failures. One of the reasons why some ERP implementations are more successful than others is the presence of an ERP champion.
An ERP champion is responsible for the end-to-end management of the entire deployment process. They get the executive buy-in, motivate the project teams, manage the users, handle uncertainties, and carry the project to completion within the timeline.
Let’s look at some of the reasons why every ERP project needs a champion.
Linking Executive Initiatives to the Project
For corporate projects to succeed, there must be a proper alignment between the executive goals and the project objectives. This holds true for any ERP implementation as well. The ERP champion ensures that the system conforms to the top-down vision of the company. This results in a sustainable competitive advantage in the future.
System Selection and Implementation
An ERP champion handles the two critical aspects of the project- the system selection and the implementation. The right person knows how to create a specific roadmap and then follow the same to success. They consider all the important aspects during the selection phase. Moreover, they handle and resolve any issues that arise during implementation while keeping the morale high within the teams.
Ensuring Management Buy-In
The designated ERP champion is responsible for ensuring that the management is fully committed to the success of the project. Getting their buy-in at the onset is crucial to the smooth rollout of the system. As the system development progress, they keep the management informed and make sure that all the changes and challenges are appropriately communicated.
Monitoring and Managing the Project
Finally, the designated ERP champion acts as the project manager and guarantees that the timelines and goals are met. They act as the point of contact for all the stakeholders involved. They hold the teams responsible and resolve roadblocks whenever they arise.
Make The Change
Choosing an ERP project champion is paramount to the software implementation success of your organization. The right person will foster great workplace relationships, keep their eyes on the final goal, motivate the teams, and successfully handle the conflicts that are an inevitable part of the process.
Interested to learn more about ERP solutions and how a champion can benefit you? Contact us today to help take your business to new heights.
