Success in ERP Implementation
When learning new ERP processes, most people need to be shown how these processes work in some detail; how to navigate menus; how functions work and; how to deal with errors. ERP systems are complex in the sense that there are many setup and configuration options and errors can sometimes occur and at any point in the process. With so many screens, features, functions, menus, business principles and a fairly complex architecture, one could only imagine how easily we can sit there for hours wondering where it went wrong.
Management often overlooks the importance of training by making assumptions about their own users. Yes, people can learn on the job for much smaller tasks, but people cannot usually learn how an entire ERP software system works without any guidance. Good training will give your own users the confidence to use the system, explore features and to ultimately have a more successful project. But I bet you are wondering “Didn’t I hire the most skillful people so why should I even train them?” Well, let’s explore how can training not only improves the success of your ERP implementation but improve the efficiency of your business.
Management often assume their teams are already busy doing daily tasks that possibly they won’t even have time for training. But in reality, they don’t have time to NOT spend time training. Because if it’s not now then it will be later when more areas have been explored.
And now it’s like cramming for an exam the night before when you skipped the class the entire semester. Going with the exam analogy here, just how we are told to start studying early and not to procrastinate, it’s the same concept here too. It’s important and crucial to allocate time early on to not only review your system setup but to perform adequate training.
Yes, people often avoid training due to various reasons. Hesitations mostly been come about because of the lack of time, reluctance to learn new processes and the fear of not being able to learn those new processes. But by appointing someone to oversee the training, giving them adequate time to prepare and having an agreement to ensure users are happy with the level of training they are receiving, you are not only ensuring your training is giving result, but that your team is right on track too. High-quality training will fuel your users the confidence they need to convert to accomplishments and successful ERP implementations.
An important principle is that absence of training will cause more issues and incorrect processing that will ultimately take up more time and $$$ to correct than if you invested the time upfront to do enough training.
Because, “the only thing worse than training your employees and HAVING THEM LEAVE is not training them and HAVING THEM STAY,” as stated by Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company.
