Among all the unknowns surrounding a new ERP system implementation, one thing is sure: change. Though organizational needs drive ERP deployments, individual employees largely determine its success or failure. And the reality is that where there is change, there is often resistance to change.
Tossing a new software system at your employees will likely bring about some discomfort and resistance. Employees are never happy when there is a change in the status quo, and tackling user resistance is something an organization should prepare for in advance. This blog will provide you with some tips and tricks you can use in your workplace to acknowledge and mitigate any resistance your users may have to an ERP implementation.
Let’s start by examining the factors that trigger change resistance and ways to lessen change resistance in this article. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to beat user resistance among your employees.
Make a Strong Business Case for Change
The first step toward stalling user resistance to ERP is to present a solid explanation that justifies the need to implement the ERP solution in the office. Then, laying the groundwork for a brand-new ERP system will help users realize its benefits. Next, companies must build the business case by conducting intensive business and current state analysis, exposing the areas where the organization can improve and where an ERP system can help.
Company leaders must share this insight and future vision with all their employees.
Be Thorough and Transparent when Communicating to the Entire Organization
After building a solid business case, leaders of an organization must communicate the chosen method with everyone in the company. It is crucial to articulate the vision, direction and how the technology will fit into it. In addition, answering employees’ questions or concerns and noting their ideas on how to improve their jobs and the company as a whole is vital.
Involve All Departments in the Selection Process
As previously recommended, an organization needs to select an ERP system selection team to help choose the best system for the company. This move alone can be a perfect way to avoid any resistance. In addition, the more input your employees have during the selection process, the more ownership they will experience, resulting in less resistance to the change in the future.
Onboard all Top-Tier Executives and Managers
To ensure minimal user resistance to an ERP implementation, top position holders in the organization must agree and be on the same page about the ERP implementation process. In addition, all key players in the company should be vocal in supporting the impending change.
Deliver Proper User Training
Comprehensive training is necessary to ensure a painless transition into your new software. In addition, it allows you to teach end-users how to operate the new system comfortably. Still, it also allows you to answer questions and ease some anxiety associated with the new system. Therefore, not only will each department and individual users need extensive training before your software go-live date, but we recommend that training continue after the software is live.
The key is to mitigate issues and problems as soon as they arise. By first training employees who are natural leaders, you will set them up to assist other users in accepting the new system, thereby simplifying the process.
Summary
These are only a few approaches to selling your new software system to your users. Of course, a software implementation is disruptive, and you will probably experience some resistance, but keeping the above suggestions in mind could make the difference in getting your team on board with the new system.
Here at BHC Group, we are always available to help, so please reach out, and we’d be happy to meet for a complimentary introductory session to find out how we could help you on your journey for change.
