Change Management & SAP Projects Essential Steps for a Successful SAP Implementation

Imagine: you decide spontaneously that you want to run a marathon. To achieve that goal, changes are undoubtedly necessary. The same applies when you decide it is time to say goodbye to your good old ERP system. Change is everywhere and inevitable, both in our personal and professional lives. This blog outlines the 5 steps needed to motivate people and achieve sustainable change. 

Using Change Management in your SAP Implementation in 5 Steps.

1. Set Goals for your SAP Implementation

It is not a question if you will reach the finish line, but in how much time? It makes a significant difference if you plan to run it in 3 hours or 6 hours. Setting a clear goal makes it easier to make decisions. The same goes for IT implementations. A strategy is needed to align the SAP system with business goals and processes. This is a prerequisite for making the implementation and change a success. 

2. Prepare your SAP Implementation: Training & Impact

Just as you set out with a clear training schedule to improve your running skills, people who will have to adopt a new way of working need proper guidance, training and time to build competencies. Besides learning general new skills, attention to the individual is essential. What are your employees' capabilities, and what is the impact? Therefore, always conduct an impact analysis during SAP implementations and develop training for every level in the organization. 

3. Aim for Continuous Improvement with your Implementation

When training for a marathon, you want to continuously improve yourself. You closely monitor your diet, look for the perfect shoes, training programs, etc. The same applies to organizations; they want to continuously improve and implement the latest and greatest within the ERP domain to contribute to their growth ambitions. By starting your organization's digital transformation journey, you are ready to leverage more insights from data and best practices and make processes more efficient.  

4. Consider the Adaptability of the Organization & Workforce

People training for a marathon must constantly adapt to changing circumstances. You might unexpectedly get injured or find a meter of snow outside. Flexibility in organizations is essential to respond quickly to changing circumstances. If an organization decides to adapt to new (internal or external) situations, it requires all employees to be flexible and resilient. 

5. Make sure Collaboration is Key during the SAP Implementation

Although running the marathon is an individual achievement, collaboration is just as important. In the process, you will undoubtedly need support at some point. A training partner, a good shoe seller, or maybe even a physical therapist. In projects, everyone has their specialization. Ultimately, you deliver the best result together. Additionally, good coordination between the internal and external organization is essential to set clear expectations. This requires leadership, effective communication, and stakeholder participation. This way, you minimize resistance and increase the project's success. 

Overcoming SAP Implementation Challenges to Achieve Success 

To reach the finish line, you must step out of your comfort zone. You will undoubtedly encounter obstacles along the way. But once you have that medal around your neck, you will know why you overcame all those challenges. 

At McCoy, we understand that change can be challenging. We are happy to stand by your people as a coach, ensuring they are fit and have the right mindset at the start. 

If you want to know more or discuss our view on change, please contact Robin Hazelaar. +31(0) 612756845