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ERP Implementation

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ERP Implementation: These Qualities make
the ideal Project Manager

The factors that determine the success or failure of an ERP implementation have changed drastically over the years: they have shifted from a focus on hardware and infrastructure to human aspects. This includes transparency and clarity about the “why” of a project and also the willingness and ability to change old habits. Of course, this also places completely different demands on the profile of your internal project manager.

Priorities of ERP Projects in the Past

Which department is the driving force behind your ERP implementation? And what kind of personality does your project manager have? In the very first ERP projects, technology was the driving force. It was the time when hardware, cables and network sockets played a very important role. Also computing power, storage capacity and backup equipment.

Requirements for Project Manager over the Course of Time

ERP Project Managers “back then”: mostly Employees from the IT Department

Back then, the project manager was usually a person from the IT department, which made perfect sense at the time. But since then, there has been an enormous technological development. This has brought with it a high degree of standardization. Added to this is the adoption of the cloud, which puts a lot of these once important aspects in the hands of your cloud provider.

ERP Projects today: People as a decisive Factor for your Success

The success or failure of your ERP implementation today depends much more on people than on technology. What impact does your new solution have on the processes in your company? Have you defined a comprehensible and motivating goal? Have you chosen a project name that the entire team understands? How well is internal communication organized? Are your employees willing to change? And to accept new working methods? Does your managers act as role models when it comes to being open to all these changes and establishing them? Or do they prefer to stick to the tried and tested?

Does your Project Manager have a high Level of Emotional Intelligence?

Selecting the right project manager with high emotional intelligence is an important aspect of planning your ERP implementation. This person should be able to understand the needs and concerns of employees, resolve conflicts and create a supportive environment. An understanding and empathetic approach to team members promotes engagement, collaboration and productivity.

Due to the complexity of the ERP implementation it is good to appoint a project manager with strong communication skills. Someone who can say more than just bits and bytes. Someone who is also competent in interpersonal communication. Someone with empathy. Someone who can recognize and monitor the project risks. Someone who can lead the team through difficult situations. And someone who also understands and lives customer orientation.

A good Project Manager recognizes and understands the Fears and Concerns of Team Members

So for your next ERP implementation, major upgrade or migration to the cloud, you should look for a project manager with a high emotional quotient. Someone who not only understands the technical aspects, but also the human ones.

Change is one of the most difficult challenges for a person. An empathetic project manager is able to recognize and address the fears and concerns of team members in order to make the transition phase smoother. They know how to create a positive working environment, which enables better team performance. Because ultimately it’s the people who drive the ERP project forward and lead to success.

The ideal Project Manager
Empathetic ERP project managers ensure a positive working environment and enable optimal team performance.