Successful ERP projects and reverse learning curves
Successfully implementing an ERP system today is not an easy task. There are several pitfalls, most of which are related to the so-called human factors. All the more reason, therefore, to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the success and failure factors prior to this complex task, and to learn that the role of your own organization during the implementation is crucial.
Given the significant investment involved in such a journey, it is extraordinary to see how few companies understand the importance of the preparatory steps. Anything you don’t know or understand well poses a risk. So in this case, that includes incompetent ERP principals.
In a way, such a project can be compared to an iceberg. Only a small part of the challenges, activities and pitfalls sticks out above the water and is therefore directly visible, the largest part, however, is hidden under the water. And that’s where the difference between a successful or unsuccessful project lies.
Start an ERP project well prepared
All the more reason to be well-prepared for ERP projects and to understand the causes of the most common success and failure factors. Unfortunately, many organizations are still unconsciously incompetent in this area. As a direct result, they systematically overestimate their own skills, the competencies of employees and the available time.
Once the project has stalled, new issues arise. Who then gets the lid on the situation? The vendor and the package are of course easy victims. How are we going to explain this ‘fail’ to the board, the shareholders and the other stakeholders? And how should we proceed with the provision of information if we are forced to fall back on obsolete systems? The learning curve has been fully gone through in this phase, but unfortunately all too often with a lot of unnecessary damage – both financially and in terms of relationships.
Whitepaper: 7 common mistakes
The preliminary selection steps are therefore necessary to ensure that the critical business decision is made on the basis of empirical data. In our whitepaper, “7 retail management software selection mistakes that predict failure,” we take a closer look at mistakes companies make during the business software selection process.
Want to make your ERP project a success too? Request a free consultation now in which we share some tips with you!
