Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system such as SAP can be a complex and large-scale undertaking. To ensure the success of this project, it is crucial to effectively engage the teams involved. In this article, we will explore the key strategies to introduce the SAP project to your teams, involve them in its development and the benefits that such an implementation can bring to a small business.

We'll start with the case study of our client Aubade, where we're helping to implement the SAP solution for the Finance department. Aude Pignot, the Finance Director, talks to us about the key success factors which, with the help of Alexandra, a SAP consultant from the FocusTribes community, have enabled her and her teams to experience a smooth and successful implementation.

Communication is the key to presenting the SAP project to teams. Clearly explain the objectives, benefits and potential impact on the business. Use accessible terms to avoid any confusion and make sure that the teams understand the importance of this project.

Share a clear vision of the SAP project and how it will contribute to the growth and success of the business. Focus on the long-term benefits and business process improvements. Encourage teams to look to the future and understand how their day-to-day work will be positively impacted.

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- As Aude and Alexandra explain, organising a friendly Kick-Off to launch the project with the stakeholders is a good option. Try to lighten the mood and remove any grey areas by reassuring the teams and involving them in the overall project planning from the outset.

- Make sure that each major stage of the project is also an opportunity to get together and share a positive moment that will give the teams confidence for the rest of the project. Organise training sessions to familiarise the teams with the SAP system and the processes that will be put in place.

"At Aubade," points out Alexandra, the FocusTribes consultant, "for the 1st day of test training, 100% of the people had been able to free themselves up, to have time that was dedicated to training, to get into the tool smoothly, without stress and thus arrive in a positive and confident frame of mind for the rest of the project." She added: "It was the first time I'd seen anything like it!

- Involve internal or external experts to share their knowledge and answer questions. Make sure that everyone understands the issues and feels sufficiently prepared and competent to work with the new tool.

Create a multidisciplinary project team representing different departments and hierarchical levels. Involve key members from each department to get a balanced representation of needs and perspectives. Make sure you include influential and motivated people who can encourage their colleagues to get involved.

- As early as the 1st kick-Off, ask each person about their expectations, their personal objectives in order to have a positive vision towards which to project themselves.

- Organise regular meetings to allow teams to share their ideas, concerns and suggestions. Show an interest in their points of view and make sure that their contributions are taken into account when decisions are made.

- Involve them in the planning and design of the SAP system, giving them the opportunity to suggest improvements and adjustments.

- Involve the teams in defining the objectives linked to the implementation of SAP.

- Encourage them to formulate specific and measurable objectives, aligning their individual goals with those of the company. This will help them to feel responsible for the overall success of the project.

The collective and the human element are key to a project like this. If the teams are close-knit, mutual support will enable everyone to get through the difficult times smoothly.

Implementing SAP enables processes to be automated, data to be centralised and visibility of operations to be improved. This enables teams to save time and focus on higher added-value tasks, while reducing errors and duplication.

SAP provides real-time information and in-depth analytical reports, enabling decision-makers to make informed, strategic decisions. Small businesses can benefit from this ability to leverage their internal data for better management and planning.

SAP offers collaboration tools that facilitate the sharing of information between different departments and teams. This encourages transparency, strengthens internal communication and fosters cooperation to achieve common goals.

Implementing SAP enables business processes to be standardised and optimised across the company. This leads to greater efficiency, reduced redundancies and higher overall productivity.

So it's easier to find the experts on the market to provide you with the support you need to implement such a solution.

The success of a SAP implementation depends on the commitment and involvement of the teams. By clearly presenting the project, encouraging the active participation of teams in its development and highlighting the benefits, a small business can take advantage of this implementation to improve its operations, make better-informed decisions and strengthen internal collaboration. Successful adoption of SAP can open up new opportunities for growth and competitiveness for these businesses. With transparent communication, a strong collective, appropriate training and ongoing involvement, teams can become key players in this major project.

So don't wait any longer to call on the FocusTribes teams for your transformation projects!

To go further, read the following articles on our Blog :

- Boost commitment and efficiency through participative management

- The crucial role of the Project Manager in ERP deployments

- How to choose the right freelance consultant ?