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What metrics should be used to measure the success of ERP change management initiatives post-implementation?


This article provides a detailed response to: What metrics should be used to measure the success of ERP change management initiatives post-implementation? For a comprehensive understanding of ERP Change Management, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to ERP Change Management best practice resources.

TLDR Metrics for evaluating ERP change management success include User Adoption and Engagement (login frequency, training completion, satisfaction surveys), Operational Efficiency (process cycle times, error rates, cost savings), and Strategic Alignment and Business Performance (revenue growth, market share, customer satisfaction), supported by research from Gartner, Accenture, and Deloitte.

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Measuring the success of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) change management initiatives post-implementation is crucial for organizations to understand the impact of the changes on their operations and overall performance. This evaluation is not just about assessing the technical deployment of the ERP system but also about gauging how well the organization has adapted to the changes, the level of user adoption, and the realization of business benefits. The metrics used for this purpose should be comprehensive, covering various dimensions of the ERP implementation's success.

User Adoption and Engagement Metrics

User Adoption and Engagement are critical indicators of the success of ERP change management initiatives. A high level of user adoption signifies that the ERP system is well-received by the users, who are the employees of the organization. Engagement metrics, on the other hand, measure how actively the users are interacting with the new system. Metrics in this category can include:

  • Login frequency: Tracking how often users log into the ERP system can provide insights into its acceptance and usage.
  • Completion of training modules: Measuring the percentage of users who have completed ERP training sessions can indicate the workforce's readiness and willingness to adapt to the new system.
  • User satisfaction surveys: Conducting periodic surveys to gather feedback from users about their experience with the ERP system can help identify areas for improvement.

According to Gartner, organizations that focus on enhancing user adoption strategies see a significant improvement in their ERP system's ROI. Although specific statistics vary, it's widely acknowledged that user engagement directly correlates with the overall success of ERP implementations.

Explore related management topics: Change Management

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Operational Efficiency Metrics

Operational Efficiency is another crucial dimension for measuring the success of ERP change management initiatives. These metrics assess how the new ERP system has streamlined processes, reduced errors, and improved productivity. Key metrics include:

  • Process cycle times: Monitoring the time taken to complete key processes pre and post-ERP implementation can reveal efficiency gains.
  • Error rates: Tracking error rates in data entry, processing, and reporting can help quantify improvements in accuracy.
  • Cost savings: Analyzing cost reductions in operations, such as reduced labor costs and decreased waste, can indicate financial benefits derived from the ERP system.

Accenture's research highlights that companies that leverage ERP systems to optimize their operations can achieve up to a 20% reduction in operational costs. This demonstrates the tangible benefits that ERP systems can bring to an organization's efficiency and bottom line.

Explore related management topics: Cost Reduction ERP Change Management

Strategic Alignment and Business Performance Metrics

Strategic Alignment and Business Performance metrics evaluate how well the ERP system supports the organization's strategic goals and contributes to its overall performance. These metrics are vital for understanding the ERP system's role in driving business growth and competitiveness. They include:

  • Revenue growth: Analyzing changes in revenue post-ERP implementation can indicate the system's impact on business growth.
  • Market share: Assessing changes in market share can help understand the competitive advantage gained through the ERP system.
  • Customer satisfaction: Measuring changes in customer satisfaction levels can reveal improvements in service quality and responsiveness.

Deloitte's studies suggest that organizations with highly aligned IT and business strategies, facilitated by ERP systems, can experience revenue growth rates significantly higher than their industry averages. This underscores the importance of ensuring that ERP systems are not just technologically sound but also closely aligned with the organization's strategic objectives.

In conclusion, measuring the success of ERP change management initiatives requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses User Adoption and Engagement, Operational Efficiency, and Strategic Alignment and Business Performance. By carefully tracking these metrics, organizations can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of their ERP implementations, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately achieve their desired business outcomes. Real-world examples and authoritative statistics from leading consulting and market research firms underscore the significance of these metrics in evaluating ERP change management initiatives' success.

Explore related management topics: Competitive Advantage Market Research Customer Satisfaction Revenue Growth

Best Practices in ERP Change Management

Here are best practices relevant to ERP Change Management from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our ERP Change Management materials here.

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Explore all of our best practices in: ERP Change Management

ERP Change Management Case Studies

For a practical understanding of ERP Change Management, take a look at these case studies.

ERP Change Management Revamp for a Global Retailer

Scenario: The organization in focus is a global retailer, experiencing difficulties in managing its ERP Change Management process.

Read Full Case Study

Luxury Retail ERP Change Management Initiative in the European Market

Scenario: A leading luxury retail firm in Europe is grappling with outdated ERP systems that are not keeping pace with dynamic market demands and the rapid evolution of e-commerce.

Read Full Case Study

ERP Change Management for Telecoms in Competitive Asian Market

Scenario: The organization, a telecom provider in Asia, is facing significant challenges with its current ERP system, which is not keeping pace with the rapid evolution of the telecommunications industry.

Read Full Case Study

ERP Change Management for Specialty Retailer in North America

Scenario: A specialty retailer in North America is grappling with the complexities of its outdated ERP system, which has become a bottleneck for business scalability and efficiency.

Read Full Case Study

ERP Change Management in Specialty Chemicals Sector

Scenario: The organization, a specialty chemicals manufacturer with a global presence, has recently expanded its product portfolio and entered new markets, leading to increased complexity in operations.

Read Full Case Study

ERP Change Management for E-commerce in Specialty Chemicals

Scenario: An international specialty chemicals firm is grappling with the complexities of integrating a new ERP system across multiple global divisions.

Read Full Case Study


Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

What role does data governance play in ERP change management, and how can it be effectively implemented?
Data governance is crucial in ERP Change Management for ensuring data integrity, compliance, and operational efficiency, achieved through strategic planning, clear policies, and leveraging technology. [Read full explanation]
How can ERP change management initiatives be scaled for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)?
Scaling ERP Change Management for SMEs involves recognizing unique challenges, adopting a strategic, phased implementation approach, and leveraging external expertise and technologies to drive long-term growth. [Read full explanation]
How do continuous improvement practices integrate with ERP change management to drive business value?
Integrating Continuous Improvement practices with ERP Change Management drives business value by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving performance through strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, and robust Performance Measurement. [Read full explanation]
How can Internet of Things (IoT) devices be integrated into ERP systems to enhance operational efficiency?
Integrating IoT devices with ERP systems boosts Operational Efficiency, reduces costs, and improves Decision-Making by leveraging Real-Time Data, Process Automation, and Advanced Analytics. [Read full explanation]
What impact do emerging technologies like blockchain have on ERP system security and change management?
Blockchain technology significantly improves ERP system security by enhancing data integrity and reducing fraud, while also necessitating comprehensive Change Management strategies to address technical and cultural shifts. [Read full explanation]
How can ERP systems be leveraged to improve customer experience and satisfaction?
ERP systems improve customer experience by Streamlining Operations, Personalizing Interactions, and leveraging Data for Continuous Improvement, enhancing responsiveness and efficiency. [Read full explanation]
What strategies can organizations employ to manage resistance to ERP change among employees?
To manage resistance to ERP change, organizations should strategically focus on early Employee Engagement, provide comprehensive Training and Support, and ensure Effective and Transparent Communication, significantly increasing ERP implementation success. [Read full explanation]
How can executives ensure ERP change management aligns with global business expansion strategies?
Executives can align ERP change management with global expansion by focusing on Strategic Planning, Change Management, and Regulatory Compliance, ensuring ERP systems support global objectives and operational excellence. [Read full explanation]

Source: Executive Q&A: ERP Change Management Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024


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