It’s no secret that when a business decides to go with a new ERP software system, or even decides that it’s time to implement one, that it can be a difficult business decision with employees left feeling disgruntled and confused. Often on the receiving end of client frustrations and sometimes faced with unhappy or reluctant employees, those in ERP roles can be faced with real challenges when it comes to system implementation.

So, when it comes to keeping your ERP employees happy and thriving in their roles, what are the best steps to take? Is there a code of best practice you can follow to smooth over software system implementation and ensure that everyone feels fully informed and happy with the processes put in place? We’ve put together a guide which will help your staff to feel content and supported as they continue to work with businesses installing ERP systems, ultimately keeping your retention rate high and staff turnover low.

Keep clients in the loop

An ERP system implementation affects more than just client operations and the structure of their business – when you go into a new business to install a new system you’re essentially introducing the unknown, which can cause uncertainty and even fear, which can often change the culture of the business.

By encouraging ERP employees to work with their clients to help them and their staff understand how the new system will affect their business, how it may alter their existing job duties and ensure that adequate training is provided to get everyone up to speed, some of these fears can be eased.

From the perspective of the client and their staff, the implementation of ERP software can lead them to feel they have diminished control over their working situation, which can lead to stress and headaches for the person whose job it is to get this new system up and running – it can feel like an uphill battle trying to get everybody on board with the new changes.

Ultimately, employee engagement is the key to success of an ERP implementation, and it should lead to stronger group interactions, fortified team connections and improved morale across the workforce – all of which makes it easier for your ERP employees to get the job done effectively.

Teach them to address and include the teams they’re working with

Cooperation and adoption by their client’s employees, across all levels, should be the aim from the get go. By being transparent with the process from the offset, and sharing information regarding changes to come, possible scenarios which could arise and the reasoning behind implementing the new ERP system, they’ll be starting off on the right foot. Helping their client’s employees to understand why their company is installing an ERP system and explaining how it will make their lives easier and productivity better is key – and they should also show them how and why they are vital to the success of the ERP system you’re ERP employee is there to implement.

Ultimately, being aware of the client and their employees is key; and if, as an ERP professional you can help these employees to understand the new software and the advantages it will bring to them then it should make the whole process that much smoother. It’s a known fact that there will always be some clients who are harder to work with than others; but if you can encourage your ERP teams to work together with their clients and their employees to get the project done smoothly and with as few hiccups as possible then it’s likely that you’ll have happier ERP employees and a lower staff turnover.