ERP Adoption Guide: Embracing Change & Conquering Fear

Believe it or not, in 2024 the entire value of the global ERP software market stood at US $64.83 billion. In fact, it is expected to nearly double by 2030 and achieve a value of a whopping $123.41 billion! That’s a CAGR of 11.7%. 

 

If the growth of the ERP software market shows no signs of slowing down, why do teams still resist the change this software brings? Why are they afraid to use the new system? And most importantly, how can this fear and resistance be effectively managed so the transition to the new software is as smooth as possible for the entire team?

 

For a stakeholder or business owner, these are critical questions to ask. While training is a must, understanding that implementation of ERP is a profound cultural shift for any company is critical. Hence, factoring in human emotions and dynamics is important to ensure your ERP initiative truly takes off. 

 

In today’s blog, we will show you how to understand and address issues such as resistance, skepticism and fear when it comes to ERP adoption. 

 

Tap Into The Human Side Of ERP

 

If your team is used to a legacy system, introducing custom ERP software may be threatening to their comfort zone. Especially if it completely changes the way they are supposed to work. Implementing ERP can trigger the following questions: 

 

• Will I have to entirely give up the process I’ve mastered?
• Does the new system threaten my role?
• Will I be able to learn and adapt to this new software quickly enough to keep my job?

 

These are legit concerns that leaders need to address in an empathic manner so teams feel secure during this transition. 

 

Identify The Root Cause Of Resistance

 

The problem with identifying resistance is that it’s not always obvious. It can be overt - like questioning the ERP project, or covert - like procrastinating instead of acting upon new procedures. As the leader, you have to take the root-cause approach to figure it out. The core causes of resistance can be: 

 

• Fear of an unknown system
• Lack of trust in it
• Insufficient training to use it; lack of preparedness
• Unclear benefits and misaligned incentives

 

By spotting these resistances early on, you can create a targeted plan to tackle them. 

 

Create An Education & Awareness Plan

 

Keep all communication channels open and transparent. Your ERP implementation strategy should prioritize your organization’s people first. So while training is essential, educating your team about the what and why of the custom software you have chosen will help them make sense of things. Educate your staff about

 

• Why the new ERP system is being introduced
• How it will benefit the company and the teams using it
• How it ensures more productivity and rewarding work

 

Honest communication will help you foster a sense of trust while making your employees feel included in the process. If you can, involve your core teams in the process of ERP selection. Encourage them to provide feedback so they know their opinion matters. 

 

Foster ERP Champions

 

A big change is easier to digest when it’s advocated by one of your own. Identify and train influential members of your staff such as enthusiastic early adopters, veteran employees and department leads. Groom them so they become ERP champions who can help you: 

 

• Lead by example and showcase best practices
• Highlight the benefits of the new system with real-life success stories
• Serve as the go-to resource for all ERP queries 

 

Having a champion among their team will encourage your staff to embrace the benefits ERP brings in a confident and doubt-free manner. 

 

Tailor Your Training To Your Team

 

Your team is likely to be made up of people of different age groups, learning patterns, preferences and paces. So if you want to reduce resistance and get everybody on board, it makes sense to: 

 

• Offer training in different formats including online courses and one-on-one mentorship
• Customize lessons as per employee roles and responsibilities
• Encourage questions and feedback

 

Your team will naturally feel more confident about using the new ERP system if they get time and space to adjust. 

 

Make It About People

 

Though automating manual processes and streamlining your company’s entire operations might be the core reason behind the implementation of a custom ERP software, make sure your implementation strategy is more people-oriented rather than tech-oriented.

 

Remember, your ERP system is supposed to support your team’s efforts and make them more efficient at their job. Once your staff grasps that and learns that the software will help them weed out repetitive tasks, streamline communication and free up their time for impactful, strategic work, their resistance will turn into curiosity and active participation. 

 

Offer Ongoing Support

 

Even if it’s been 6 months since your custom ERP software went live, continue offering support and guidance to your employees. Maintain momentum by celebrating small wins, gathering consistent feedback and refining and adapting ERP workflows based on the individual roles and responsibilities of your team. 

 

Conclusion

 

Implementing a new ERP system company-wide is a challenge but it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategy in place combined with a people-oriented approach, you can turn the resistance you face into acceptance. All you have to do is create an environment where technology and people can work hand-in-hand. And of course, opt for an ERP system that is intuitive and user-friendly from the get-go, like the one we offer at Vestra Inet. Contact us to get custom ERP software that empowers your team while helping your business thrive.