This article provides a detailed response to: What strategies can be employed to overcome resistance to change during ERP implementation? For a comprehensive understanding of ERP, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to ERP best practice resources.
TLDR Effective ERP implementation strategies include Engagement and Communication, Training and Support, and strong Change Leadership and Culture, as demonstrated by companies like Cisco, Siemens, Boeing, and Hewlett-Packard.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview Engagement and Communication Training and Support Change Leadership and Culture Best Practices in ERP ERP Case Studies Related Questions
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Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they relate to this question.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are critical for integrating processes across various departments of an organization, offering real-time data and insights that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. However, ERP implementation is often met with resistance from employees due to fear of change, disruption of familiar workflows, and concerns over job security. Overcoming this resistance is crucial for the success of an ERP project. Here are strategies grounded in Change Management principles and insights from leading consulting firms that can help organizations navigate these challenges.
Engagement and Communication
Effective engagement and communication are paramount in overcoming resistance to change. Early and transparent communication about the reasons for the ERP implementation, its benefits, and its impact on various roles within the organization can help mitigate fears and build trust. According to McKinsey, organizations that excel at internal communications are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers. A comprehensive communication plan should include regular updates, Q&A sessions, and open forums where employees can express concerns and ask questions. Highlighting how the ERP system will make their jobs easier and contribute to career growth can also increase acceptance and support.
It is essential to tailor communication strategies to different groups within the organization, recognizing that each department may have unique concerns and needs. Utilizing a variety of communication channels—such as email, intranet, workshops, and face-to-face meetings—ensures that the message reaches everyone. Additionally, involving key stakeholders and department heads in the communication process can help disseminate information more effectively and lend credibility to the project.
Real-world examples include companies like Cisco and Siemens, which have successfully managed large-scale ERP implementations by focusing on comprehensive communication strategies. These companies emphasized the importance of clear, consistent messages from top management and the use of cross-functional teams to facilitate communication across departments.
Training and Support
Providing adequate training and support is critical to ensuring that employees feel prepared to use the new ERP system. According to a report by Accenture, one of the top reasons ERP implementations fail is inadequate training. Customized training programs that are relevant to the specific roles and responsibilities of users can increase confidence and reduce resistance. These programs should be designed to offer hands-on experience with the ERP system, using real-life scenarios that employees are likely to encounter.
Post-implementation support is equally important. Establishing a help desk or a team of ERP champions who can provide ongoing assistance and troubleshoot problems can help ease the transition. Encouraging a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where feedback is actively sought and used to refine training and support services, can further enhance user adoption.
Companies like Boeing and Hewlett-Packard have demonstrated the effectiveness of investing in comprehensive training programs. They not only provided extensive pre-launch training but also ensured ongoing education and support, adapting their training programs based on user feedback and evolving needs.
Change Leadership and Culture
Leadership plays a crucial role in driving change and overcoming resistance. Leaders must be fully committed to the ERP implementation and act as role models, demonstrating the desired behaviors and attitudes towards the new system. According to Deloitte, effective change leadership is characterized by clear vision, active sponsorship, and the ability to mobilize commitment across the organization. Leaders should be visible, accessible, and actively involved in the implementation process, addressing concerns and providing reassurance.
Fostering a culture that is open to change and innovation is also vital. This involves recognizing and rewarding behaviors that support the ERP implementation and the organization's broader goals. Creating opportunities for employees to contribute ideas and be involved in decision-making related to the ERP project can foster a sense of ownership and reduce resistance.
Examples of successful change leadership can be seen in companies like Nestlé and Ford, which have undertaken significant ERP projects. These companies emphasized the role of leadership in championing the change, setting clear expectations, and celebrating milestones to maintain momentum and morale.
Implementing an ERP system is a complex and challenging endeavor, but by focusing on effective engagement and communication, providing adequate training and support, and fostering strong change leadership and a culture open to innovation, organizations can overcome resistance and realize the full potential of their ERP investments.
Best Practices in ERP
Here are best practices relevant to ERP from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our ERP materials here.
Explore all of our best practices in: ERP
ERP Case Studies
For a practical understanding of ERP, take a look at these case studies.
ERP Integration in Luxury Fashion Retail
Scenario: The company is a high-end luxury fashion retailer facing challenges in integrating its disparate ERP systems across global operations.
ERP Integration for Esports Content Distribution
Scenario: The company is a rapidly growing esports content distributor that is grappling with the challenges of scaling up its operations.
ERP System Overhaul for a Luxury Retail Chain in North America
Scenario: The organization is a high-end luxury retail chain facing challenges in integrating their current disparate ERP systems following a series of acquisitions.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Optimization Project for a Growing Retail Company
Scenario: A privately-owned, mid-market retail company based in the United States has experienced exceptional growth over the past year, almost doubling its customer and revenue base.
ERP System Overhaul for D2C Luxury Fashion Brand
Scenario: A luxury direct-to-consumer fashion brand is struggling with an outdated ERP system that cannot keep pace with its dynamic inventory needs and global customer base.
ERP System Overhaul for Mid-Sized Construction Firm in North America
Scenario: The organization operates within the competitive North American construction sector and has been utilizing a patchwork of legacy systems and manual processes to manage its resources.
Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies
Related Questions
Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.
Strategy & Operations, Management Consulting
This Q&A article was reviewed by Mark Bridges. Mark is a Senior Director of Strategy at Flevy. Prior to Flevy, Mark worked as an Associate at McKinsey & Co. and holds an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago.
It is licensed under CC BY 4.0. You're free to share and adapt with attribution. To cite this article, please use:
Source: "What strategies can be employed to overcome resistance to change during ERP implementation?," Flevy Management Insights, Mark Bridges, 2025
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