SAP implementation is done to replace outdated software solutions. Apart from that customers look to leverage their existing systems to grow. Every company plans to expand as time passes and the expansion plans can occur through acquisitions, mergers or it can grow organically.
SAP B1 partners propose that it would be wise to design change management strategies that would support such growth plans.
Managing change is a crucial aspect of implementing SAP in any company. Usually change management strategies include methods by which employees can assimilate with the new system. In addition to that, management should design strategies that support changes associated with growth and aid it. Re-engineering business processes is a must. Let us look at some strategies that are effective for fast growing companies:
a) Place equal importance on organizational changes as much as technology
It is essential to understand technological aspects of any solution and it doesn’t come as a surprise that all efforts are put into the same. Without taking away any spotlight from it, if companies start rolling out organizational changes diligently, significant improvements can be observed. Spending time on meticulous planning while considering different aspects such as implementation of SAP Business One add on for manufacturing would cost any company a few bucks but it would be worth investing it. Once the project goes live, organizations may face several organizational disruptions which can easily be avoided in change management is considered right from scratch. If you feel that your pockets are getting really light by investing in change management, remember that it would cost much more in the long run if you completely avoid it.
b) Standardizing organizational processes
Managing change becomes much easier if several organizational processes are standardized. As the company grows, executing standardized processes would become easier. Most IT, HR, accounting, procurement, and finance processes can be standardized easily. Apart from back-end processes, segments dealing directly with customer service such as e-commerce and customer service should also be made consistent. This phase will require the management to put in significant time so that all the future growth plans can be seamlessly integrated with existing processes. Devote time on business process re-engineering and change management will fit in well with all processes.
c) Meticulously developing business plans and materializing their benefits
An element directly contributing to growth is attainment of business goals, which are dependent on effective business plans. This in turn means that business plans should be designed meticulously to achieve the desired results. Services such as implementing SAP Business One add ons for manufacturing should support the business plans to translate into growth. If the SAP system is unable to sustain existing and potential processes, growth will be hindered. Business and change management plans should support scalability so that business benefits can be enjoyed in the long run too.
d) Tailoring the change management according to your company
One should design change management techniques that respond well in their company. Till recently the only way to acclimatize to change was to provide relevant training to the end users. There are better and more efficient ways to deal with change. Utilize the right resources and figure out which approach works best for your company. There are certain aspects that need to be focused in every company, but how these aspects are tackled can differ greatly from one company to the other. Determine which works best for you and see it through.
Growth is something that companies cannot compromise on. No matter how small they start or how big they are, growth is always in the plan. It can come in spurts or in great volume; managing change will be equally tough in either cases if it’s not managed well. SAP B1 partners insist that it’s better to apply pre-emptive measures rather than panicking and stressing out when the growth and change related issues arise. Technology and innovation will take your company only so far, it is ultimately change management that has the power to determine the effectiveness and success of a project.
