SAP's OCM framework describes Change Communication as getting the right message
to the right people at the right time, a continuous cycle of collecting,
planning, executing, and monitoring communication, not a single announcement
sent once and forgotten. Most communication plans fail at the monitoring step,
broadcasting messages but never checking whether they're actually landing or
where resistance is quietly building underneath an apparently calm surface.
This Excel template addresses the practical planning questions: What message
does each audience need at each project phase, and through which channel? How do
we keep leadership's narrative consistent without giving them the same
operational detail as end users, who need something much more specific and
practical? How do we catch resistance early, before it becomes a blocker close to
go-live, by building listening into the plan rather than treating communication
as one-directional?
What's included in this Excel workbook:
• Read Me tab with phase-by-phase communication guidance
• Message Matrix tab: audience, key message, project phase, delivery channel,
frequency, owner, and status for every planned communication
• Sponsor Talking Points tab: a shorter, milestone-mapped script for leadership,
kept distinct from operational messaging since sponsors need a consistent
narrative they can repeat at every town hall and check-in
• Feedback Log tab: a structured place to capture actual questions and pushback
as they surface, since communication that never listens misses the earliest
signals of resistance building among the workforce
The phase-by-phase shift in communication focus, from foundational messaging in
Prepare through ongoing release communication in Run, comes directly from SAP's
OCM framework. Delivered as a fully editable Excel spreadsheet (XLSX) with
dropdown-driven phase, channel, and status fields. An SAP change communication
plan and stakeholder messaging template suited to change managers and
communications leads on SAP implementations. Delivered as a ready-to-use
spreadsheet rather than a blank planning grid you have to design from scratch.
Usage tip: populate the Feedback Log consistently even when nothing alarming
comes in, a thin or empty log usually means questions aren't being captured, not
that everyone is fully satisfied, and it's worth checking which one is actually
true before assuming the quieter explanation.
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Source: Best Practices in Change Management, Communications Strategy Excel: SAP OCM Communication Plan Excel (XLSX) Spreadsheet, SAP Planning Pro
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