ERP Selection: Protect yourself from
a Discount-related Amnesia!

Replacing an ERP Solution is a big Step

Companies that replace their ERP system with a new solution are in principle committing a kind of capital destruction. After all, there is no deposit on software licenses! Nevertheless, every year many of them decide - voluntarily or involuntarily - to take this drastic step.

The reasons for this are diverse and range from the sudden bankruptcy of the vendor to the decreasing maintenance of the chosen ERP system to completely failed implementations.

Despite all the Experience: Discounts trigger Amnesia

If the causes lie within their own sphere of influence, these companies are usually determined never to make past mistakes again - at least that’s the theoretical thinking. But as is often the case with good intentions: in practice, these too are often quickly forgotten. As soon as discounts are mentioned in a negotiation, amnesia strikes mercilessly!

Reduce Project Costs: saving on Employee Expertise?

When price reductions are mentioned, most customers are prepared to assign inexperienced consultants to carry out the project - even though they have already learned the hard way in past projects that this is not a good idea at all.

With discount-related amnesia, however, these thoughts gradually creep back in: “Can we reduce the budget by omitting the services offered for change management? Why not!” And what about the enormous importance of continuity? A little extra discount will make you forget this important lesson too. And: “Just like last time, we leave the entire project management to the intern. This also eliminates the cost of expensive employees!”

3 important Lessons to keep in Mind

There’s a Dutch proverb that says: “A donkey doesn’t bump against the same stone twice.” But what about you? How well does your memory work in this important project phase? Do you also tend to forget lessons learned? Do better! Recall your lessons learned in good time.

Challenging the Forgetting Curve like Sherlock Holmes 6 incredibly effective Tricks
to help you remember
what you've learned

Lesson 1: rely on Expertise and Experience - instead of trusting naive Decisions

Hand over responsibility for such an important project to trained employees with expertise and experience - but not to inexperienced newcomers in the field! You’ll be saving money at the wrong end.

Lesson 2: ensure Continuity - instead of demanding constant Reorientation

Also pay attention to continuity - if possible, stick to the same person responsible for the entire duration of the project. It is important that the processes and procedures settle in and that there is the right chemistry within the team. It also takes time for trust to build up. Frequent changes of persons responsible, on the other hand, lead to uncertainty, setbacks and loss of time - also because learning curves are repeated.

Lesson 3: place Value on Change Management - instead of relying solely on Technology

Remember the importance of your change management. The success of your project depends on more than just the technologies - it depends to a large extent on the people and they don’t work according to the plug-and-play principle. Make sure there are no gaps in communication and enable appropriate training. And promote a work culture that supports continuous improvement.

ERP Selection: prevent your own Amnesia!

If you want to protect yourself from an amnesia, you should start your selection process by writing these important lessons on your digital memo board. So that you always have them in front of you - the same applies to your colleagues who are directly involved in the project. This will reduce the likelihood of you forgetting the lessons you have learned during your next ERP selection.