Numerous pitfalls can materialize during the enterprise resource planning implementation process. From flagging executive engagement and support to outright vendor dysfunction, myriad risks have the potential to arise. However, few of these hazards can prove as disastrous as user apathy or resistance. When employees fail to embrace new ERP solutions or actively avoid them post-implementation, the likelihood of project failure rises significantly. In 2016, more than one-quarter of the organizations that embarked on ERP implementations ultimately failed, according to research from Panorama Consulting. It is likely that these outcomes directly correlated to flawed change management techniques, especially those related to end users.

Businesses can void project failure due to lacking employee engagement by implementing user-friendly planning processes and workflows that empower end users and pave the way for long-term ERP success. Here are some of the most effective strategies for accomplishing this lofty yet important goal:

Focus on communication
Like most large-scale enterprise projects, ERP implementation unfolds from the top down as executive leaders offer funding and support, and carefully-chosen cross-functional operational teams execute on the ground floor. This arrangement creates an internal barrier between employees heavily involved in implementation activities and others focused on everyday business concerns. While perfectly logical, this natural division of labor can lead to communication issues that can fester over time and eventually lay the groundwork for employee resistance, according to TechTarget.

Implementation teams can overcome these problems and stave off user engagement disasters by developing and deploying detailed communication plans that keep workers not involved in ERP activities in the loop. These project groups must consistently reach out to their colleagues and offer updates on their progress, as well as field any questions or listen to any suggestions eventual end users might have. In the end, open communication channels help bolster engagement throughout the ERP implementation process and reduce the likelihood of project-killing internal resistance.

Provide effective training
ERP implementation catalyzes organization-wide transformation. As a result, workers must drastically reconfigure their workflows to accommodate system usage. For employees – especially those who have been entrenched in the business for some time – handling such a sea change is no easy task. These individuals need support from ERP project teams in order to embrace new processes and leverage them to generate gains in efficiency and productivity. Should this help never materialize, most are perfectly comfortable returning to their previous workflows and leaving new ERP technology untouched.

Businesses can avoid this unique brand of user engagement failure by providing training resources and working with employees to understand and grapple with change, according to Deloitte. In addition to developing detailed instructional guides for navigating new technology and facilitating real-time support options, project teams should map out how ERP implementation affects each and every role within the organization. This exercise places the topic of user engagement front and center, and provides a guide for all activities centered on this important subject.

Add an element of fun
While exciting, ERP implementation is rarely fun, especially for nervous end users dealing with project-related disruptions and the prospect of completely changing how they work on a daily basis. However, the internal teams tasked with installing new ERP platforms can add an element of whimsy to the process to raise spirits and prevent building workplace pressure from combusting into full-blown user revolt, ERP Focus reported. How? Many organizations embrace gameified employee engagement tactics that not only facilitate fun but also contribute to implementation efforts. For instance, many roll out pre-launch system-continuity challenges where users attempt to test the limits of new ERP technology. This kind of activity allows workers to blow off steam and offers usable feedback that project teams can use to improve the end product.

Strategies such as these can help enterprises navigating the ERP implementation journey avoid user engagement disaster and implement solutions that generate healthy return on investment. Here at Accent Software, we develop ERP products that do just that. As a certified Microsoft Business Solutions partner, we provide vendor-vetted services and solutions, rolling out transformative ERP installations capable of boosting productivity and bolstering bottom lines. Connect with Accent Software to learn more about our offerings.