The adoption of a new, integrated ERP software package is a project that can give rise to multiple stumbling blocks for employees. This reluctance is caused by the human nature of different staff members who may be more or less difficult about being moved out of their comfort zone. Removing these stumbling blocks requires clear, positive and unfailing support from management.
A company's staff make up a representative panel of the different attitudes that people adopt in the face of change. Some individuals will prove to be enthusiastic and even drive the project. Others will be more resistant to change and halt its progress. Whilst another group will adopt a neutral attitude with a kind of inertia that's difficult to fathom.
In the face of such heterogeneity, the hierarchy plays a dominant role. Management must be clearly seen to be in favour of the project. The CEO must communicate frequently and support the project unambiguously. This unifying message must be designed to get all employees onside, because they are the future users of the ERP after implementation.
The main difficulties come from ergonomics and unfamiliarity. However, these usually iron themselves out after a period of use.
It is also important to integrate an adjustment period into the project management schedule.
Stumbling blocks are experienced by end users, the team in charge of the project being made up of motivated staff.
When the tool gets into the hands of end users, it has already been configured by specialists who have integrated the needs of staff and solved any basic problems in advance.
The trickiest problem is that of a staff member who is identified as a motivator, but who doesn't approve of the change of ERP system. If the nature of the staff member's motivation is confirmed, an enquiry in the whole team with regard to change is required. A review of the situation with the management team must then be carried out.
Each party must respect their own scope of action. The publisher is neither the driver nor the decision-maker in the management of the project, instead they are responsible for sounding the alarm. If a problem is detected, the publisher's job is to recommend that the management team call in an external technical consultant. This expert will assist in redefining the company's needs and the legitimacy of the project.