Ownership and Rapid Ramp-Up: Building Internal Expertise for ERP Success

When implementing a new ERP system, most companies use the expertise of external consultants to guide them through implementation. However, what happens once the consultants have finished and moved on? This is where "Ownership" and a "Rapid Ramp-Up" ensure long-term success.

Why Internal Ownership Matters

The real value of an ERP system doesn't come just from initial deployment—it’s determined from long term use and effectiveness in day-to-day operations. Once the consultants have left (and “taught you to fish”), it’s up to your internal team to take ownership (and “fish”). This means having “Power Users” who are on your payroll. Power Users deeply understand how to use the ERP effectively all day, every day.

Power Users become the in-house experts, equipped with detailed knowledge of the system’s functionalities, workflows, and best practices.  But this isn’t so much about software capabilities, as it is about your company’s system reliance. Power users not only understand how the system is deployed, but they also know your business extremely well. Further, they serve as internal trainers, capable of bringing others up to speed, who can support and troubleshoot.

Rapid Ramp-Up: Preparing for Day One

A successful ERP implementation should involve a rapid ramp-up so your internal team is ready to take the reins from day one. By designating Power Users early in the implementation phase, you create a team that learns from the consultants and becomes proficient in multiple system functions.

In these competitive times, companies don’t have the luxury of long learning curves.  Power Users can rapidly enable other employees, by answering questions and providing hands-on help. This will enable new employees and untrained staff to become more efficient rapidly and develop their knowledge and comfort with the system. Instead of muddling through, your people will learn quickly via the help of Power Users.

Building Skills and Confidence Across the Organization

A strong internal team with a deep knowledge of your business and your ERP system also facilitates on-going learning and back-up coverage. When employees are absent or roles shift, your Power Users can serve as fill-ins or provide rapid training to others, so your business does not feel adverse impact.

This internal capability ensures you keep the ERP system users adaptable to changing needs.

Continue to Use Your Consultant Too

So internalizing and improving is the goal – but you’ll also want to expand your use of the system.  Keep your consultant in mind for this.  They’re familiar with other deployments, advanced functionality and beneficial system improvements. In our best deployments our consultants have worked closely (and worked well) with Power Users., sharing the collective knowledge of all players.

Key Takeaways

Designate Power Users: These key employees become ERP system experts who drive day-to-day success, troubleshoot issues, and train others.

Develop a Ramp-Up Strategy: Start preparing your team from the beginning to ensure they are confident and capable once the consultants leave.

Enable Internal Training: Use your internal experts to guide new employees, ensuring consistent knowledge transfer and operational efficiency.

Keep an Open Dialog with Your Outside Consultant: The ERP Consultant is an objective resource who can guide you for expansion as your system is post Go Live 

Investing in internal expertise not only ensures your ERP system runs smoothly but also empowers your business to adapt and thrive as it grows.