Increase ERP implementation success rates - using change management

So now you have decided to purchase enterprise software and have made the selection of what software you are to purchase how can you increase the chances of making your implementation a success ?  You have done the basics correctly by including the staff, soliciting feedback and gone through an extensive selection procedure.  What are the next steps in ensuring your organization will use the software and realize its full benefits ? 


An often overlooked factor that organizations do not place enough importance on is the change management strategy within the organization.  It is key for the organization to educate its employees on the impact of the new software and how it will impact the organization and then individuals.  The change management strategy should reside at the top of the organization and should perpetuate downwards.  As part of the change management strategy, includes executive buy-in.  This will demonstrate leadership and confidence within the organization. Employees will have a better outlook and forward looking picture which provides stability and should increase productivity. 


Employees at all levels should be educated as to how their job will change and the tools that will enable them to become more productive and contribute to the organization even more.  Not only are individual tasks taught but transactions are completed, handed off to other departments, accessibility of real-time information, the overall flow, where in the process improvements can occur,  are all things that should be included in the change management strategy.


These are points that should help you define and execute a change management strategy which will help increase your Enterprise software success.  This overlooked piece of the implementation puzzle can either make or break your software project.  So increase your chances and incorporate this piece within your implementation roadmap procedures.