For Manufacturers, A Solid ERP Implementation Foundation Leads to Years of Benefits
For over 38 years now, The Lake Companies has been working with Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Upper Michigan manufacturers to implement ERP solutions. During that time, we have developed a unique implementation methodology that blends people with technology. While each client’s definition of a successful implementation may look a little different, the core principles of success are the same.
Because we have gone through the Infor SyteLine (CSI/CloudSuite Industrial) upgrades and implementation process with hundreds of manufacturing clients over the years, we have learned that getting employee buy-in with the project ultimately leads to a successful implementation.
The following are our top four keys to getting employees to buy-in on an ERP project:
Key 1: Set clear goals for your ERP software it is important to start your implementation process with a clear definition of success. Reviewing these goals periodically keeps the implementation team focused on the proper tasks and prevents any distractions from creeping in. Your “why” should ultimately match up to your company’s core value system. Understanding the reasons for the project will put the whole thing in perspective. It will ultimately give your staff the motivation to push through until the end.
Key 2: Develop an implementation plan and assemble the right team – We take your goals and develop a written plan. It’s essential to focus on the basic operations that affect your day-to-day business like order entry, shop floor production, shipping, and invoicing.
During the planning phase, it’s essential to identify key employees who need to be involved in the ERP implementation process and share why their unique skill set is required to execute the plan. This communication ensures the entire team feels valued and understands the importance of hitting the go-live date.
Key 3: Open project communication across the organization – Depending on the type and size of the organization, ERP implementation projects can take anywhere from three to eight months. It is important to share regular progress updates with the entire organization. In addition, it is highly effective when project leaders can communicate quick 60-second updates whenever they are asked, “how’s the project going?”.
Key 4: Stay positive throughout the process – While addition to current workload, change, new processes, and access to new data can be overwhelming; remain positive. This positivity profoundly affects the entire organization and is often overlooked as a strategic component on the path to success. So often, implementation teams look at what is still yet to do and forget to look behind at everything they’ve accomplished.
In our experience, if you can utilize these four keys, your implementation process will be smoother for everyone involved. As a result, your employees will be more curious and engaged throughout, and the transition to adopting new responsibilities and procedures will be easier.
Looking Towards Integrated ERP Solutions for Your Organization’s Future
As manufacturers look to the future of their industry, one thing is clear: innovative technologies must be adaptive to keep up with increased supply and demand, your competition, hiring obstacles, and other organizational challenges. No matter where your company is in the ERP software exploration process, reach out to our team experts at The Lake Companies so we can answer all of your questions. We will show you the long-term possibilities when you implement a continuous improvement framework of your ERP system. Our greatest reward is when our customers are successful due to adapting our unique strategies and technology solutions.
