Three Things to Look for in an ERP Project Manager

Do you know the real reasons why ERP implementation fails so often? Typically, a successful ERP implementation requires not only a large capital investment but an experienced ERP project manager.  It is often a challenge finding the right person for this job; a qualified professional who is able to run risk-benefit analyses, develop performance objectives, guide organizations through the transition process, fine-tune the ERP software programs to meet certain needs and expectations, and train employees to take over specific roles. The businesspeople who choose to implement ERP systems into their businesses without the support of an experienced ERP project manager will most likely fail to complete these tasks and achieve their goals, implicitly. That’s simply because they’re unaware of and thus unable to adhere to the ERP implementation methodology especially developed for their business niche. 

Considering these aspects, you can easily come to the conclusion that hiring an ERP consultant is critical if you want to get the best out of your ERP implementation initiative.

Choosing the Right ERP Project Manager or ERP Consultant

Although selecting the most appropriate ERP system is usually a major effort for an organization, getting the right consultant can be even more difficult. That’s mainly because you have to consider certain aspects, such as the skill set, background and experience of the professional you intend to hire. To help you get a good ERP project manager who can increase the probability of successful and timely ERP implementation, here is everything you need to know.

1)  Skill Set

An ERP manager should have the traits of any other leader. Therefore, he or she should:
•    Be not only respectful and empathetic, but also an effective motivator, listener and communicator in order to interact successfully across all of your departments. These qualities will help him or her find and negotiate the best solutions for fostering strong relationships among your teams – a critical aspect for the continued success of your ERP initiative.
•    Be intelligent and resourceful enough to balance the skills of your staff with the needs of your ERP project.
•    Have the ability to anticipate project challenges – a trait that will help him or her develop and incorporate an appropriate impact strategy for every department in your organization.  
•    Know how to create and achieve monthly financial targets by incorporating actual financial performance in your ERP project. This enables you to forecast expenditures in alignment with your budget – a critical point in supporting your ERP project lifecycle.
•    Be able to identify and quantify the potential occurrence and impact of certain risk events, which are usually triggered by ERP implementation.  
•    Make timely, effective decisions at different levels in a project environment for successful ERP implementation.

2)  Background

Before hiring an ERP project manager, it’s critical to review his or her business profile, associates, and expertise. When checking all these points, bear in mind that an ERP Implementation Project Plan is not only about technology, business processes or people. ERP initiatives are a combination of these three factors, which can help you generate different types of synergy in your organization.

3)  Experience

The experience of an ERP consultant is a very important element because it dictates the success or failure of your ERP initiative. This professional should be able not only to develop an effective plan that encompasses all the aspects of implementing an ERP solution into your organization, but also to follow certain procedures and adjust project execution to fit changing circumstances.    

There are two reasons why retaining a proficient ERP project manager is very important: 1) this professional represents a significant investment for your company; and 2) he or she sets a new direction for your company. If the right choice is made, the ERP consultant can turn ERP system selection and implementation into a resounding success.  

Since 2004, Clients First has been providing medium-to-large enterprise solutions for the supply chain industry, with a vertical focus in manufacturing, engineer and make-to-order. Clients First Texas has been focused on supporting customers locally within the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas (TOLA) area with specific software IP developed for the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry utilizing the power of Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft Dynamics NAV and NAV-X.  Clients First US has 8 locations nationwide and supports clients worldwide.   Clients First is a VAR Top 100 Accounting Reseller, 2012 Merchant Circle Award Winner and a Microsoft Gold Enterprise Resource Planning Partner.  For more information about Clients First, Texas visit our page at www.cfbs-us.com.