5 Ways to Keep Employees Excited About a New ERP System
A New ERP System (Enterprise Resource Planning) can be scary, especially to employees with little input on the matter. To implement the solution in the best way, it’s important to get workers engaged with the software they’ll be using on a daily basis. Here are five tips for increasing happiness surrounding an unfamiliar system:
1. Explain the implementation process
The most terrifying aspect of the entire ERP solution plan is the amount of time and energy it will take to make the entire company feel comfortable with the system. To decrease employee resentment from the start, describe the whole development from start to finish. Giving workers the run down of how your executives chose the software to the date of the go live will help employees feel more in-tuned with the execution. A demonstration of what will occur during the implementation will relieve stress from employees and make them more pleased with the change.
2. Take a step back
As a high-level executive and decision-maker in the ERP solution selection, you’ve made your opinions on the positives of the system clear. Now, it’s time to let the leaders of your organization take point and extend their influence to the rest of your team. Often, employees will trust managers before CEOs since their direct bosses have more day-to-day interaction with them. These leaders could bring unsatisfied employees around to the idea of a new, streamlined solution for your company’s financial processes.
3. Highlight employee emotions
Were your workers often frustrated with their old methods of completing their work? Do you have examples of their feelings toward prior systems? If so, use these emotions to your advantage in convincing employees of the new-and-improved ERP solution’s benefits. By showcasing their sentiments and explaining how the software will change them for the better, you can better assure workers of your reasons for the implementation.
4. Ask for their input
Employees can feel slighted when new methods are introduced without their feedback. To make workers comfortable with the introduction of modernized systems, request their observations about what processes need to be improved. Most likely, employees can give insight you may not have thought of. By soliciting their comments, you can decide on an implementation strategy that will benefit both the company and those people most affected by the new system.
5. Provide training
Before the ERP solution is completely in place, arrange education about the software for employees. Offering prior guidance during implementation can help workers hit the ground running when it’s time for go live. Putting in the effort to spend time with employees from all levels of the company will help them feel valued.
Introducing new technology, especially an ERP system, can be overwhelming for your business’s employees. To avoid dissatisfaction, it’s important to provide workers with training, the ability to lend their opinion and clear communication of the entire process. Dedicating your effort to the members of your team will help create a smooth transition.