Implementing any ERP system, including SAP, requires a clear understanding of organizational needs. Research from IT Cortex shows that over half of companies that implemented ERP systems found they did not meet expectations. However, these challenges can be addressed. As the world leader in ERP software, SAP continuously unveils new capabilities for organizations to leverage technology to meet and even exceed business goals. SAP ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is the world’s most widely used integrated system, offering the broadest functionality range to support management decision-making. Its adaptability, scalability, and customization options make SAP ERP an optimal choice for businesses looking to align IT with unique company requirements.
BROADENING THE SCOPE: Your Vendors have something to say! Your Customers have something to say!
One critical factor in ensuring ERP success is expanding the scope of “Process Stakeholdership” during implementation. This practice can significantly improve project outcomes by involving external partners like customers and vendors early on in the requirements-gathering phase. These partners, who interact with the ERP system as vendors (e.g., order recipients, invoicing entities) or as clients (e.g., end customers, shipping recipients), bring valuable perspectives. Their insights enable the project team to design a blueprint that supports effective communication and streamlined collaboration. Including these stakeholders can also foster system transparency and encourage buy-in, enhancing their willingness to adopt and comply with the ERP-driven processes.
A practical example comes from an organization using SAP ERP for Sales and Distribution, where a monthly billing process created excessive pressure on staff due to time-consuming data entry. The lack of customer involvement during the initial requirements-gathering phase led to inefficiencies and dissatisfaction with the system. Their data collection was conducted manually over phone calls, leading to higher costs and concerns around data accuracy. By implementing a client-facing web portal, the organization allowed customers to input their data directly into the SAP ERP system. This streamlined data availability, reduced processing times, and alleviated the workload on internal teams.
One critical factor in ensuring ERP success is expanding the scope of “Process Stakeholdership” during implementation. This practice can significantly improve project outcomes by involving external partners like customers and vendors early on in the requirements-gathering phase..
The takeaway here is the value of involving key external partners as “Process Stakeholders” early in the ERP planning process. Not only does this promote stronger collaboration, but it also increases the speed and productivity of processes and improves system performance across the board. Expanding the scope of involvement to vendors, clients, and other external stakeholders can transform an SAP ERP implementation from a mere system upgrade to a foundational enhancement that drives efficiency and achieves higher ROI.
