The 7 Dwarfs of ERP Implementation #2 : Bashful.
We all learn pretty quickly that resources are key. The guru’s tell us this, a client’s advised accordingly, a project team is formed and off we go. It’s then you discover the problems.
There are risks to watch out for with your external resources of course which will be covered in a later post, but the focus here is on the internal, company resources. These are paramount and here’s why
a) Best people.
I’ve been told many times “We will put our best people on it, full time.” Really ? If they’re the best, what were they doing before the project – and will they not be missed by the business ?
Bashful team members, who are there in body but not in spirit or commitment, often because the day job starts when the project work finishes, are not going to be much help. In fact, they’re more of a hindrance, as tasks will not get done, or less obviously not get done properly.
Recognise and manage the overload. Backfill the roles where feasible. Get temporary resource in to assist with the day job under guidance. Chose the project timing to coincide with a slacker period. Be flexible with holiday management. But please, please don’t just hope it’ll work out. Don’t just hope that the quantity of resource allocated will make up for dubious quality. It’s really not a brilliant idea to have a project plan based on hope ! Unless you’re Cinderella that is.
b) Bashful.
Watch out for the mix of resources; drivers, followers, personality clashes. I’ve seen loosely involved dominant bosses drive a project in a different direction to the collective wisdom. Quiet characters can know much and divulge little. These need protecting, coercing, prompted, empowered, involved and supported. Encourage the bashful !
c) Ownership.
Willing internal ownership is key. Don’t let anyone tell you that external resources can shoulder the bulk of the tasks. “Can’t our system providers make decisions for us ?“ Simply put -
- It would be much more expensive as it will involve more consultancy than you’ve probably budgeted for.
- It would be the suppliers view of how your business works, not yours. Your internal team should know how the business runs, the key issues and challenges, and what they need to get the best out of the ERP implementation.
- More insidiously, you’ll end up with a solution which you don’t understand the design and decision criteria for, and you would not have the necessary knowledge and skills to move your system forward. Congratulations - you’re now tied to your system provider !
So, it’s obvious we need to commit the right resources. The real problem is, this is challenging, and if not dealt with properly, will be a slow poisoning of your Snow White aspirations. Don’t park the difficult decisions until later. They’ll get you in the end !
Charles Bailey
Echo Peak Consultancy Ltd