ERP Software Selection Project Team Management and Creation

Creating your software selection project team

In our article on maximizing the work of your ERP selection team we discussed the importance of building the foundation of your project team. This article is part 1 of a more detailed discussion of creating your software selection project team.
The work associated with selecting an ERP business software system will have many benefits to the enterprise. This is regardless of the size of the organization.  A project of this magnitude will impact every area of your organization. Coordinating the activities across the firm must be done from the top down.

Without commitment and involvement from top management, a project such as this cannot succeed. This is extremely important. Top management must support the ERP project team if it is to be successful. As the project proceeds, decisions must be made and actions taken which will affect the organization for years to come. These decisions can only be made with the approval and input of top management.

Managing the ERP software selection process may involve two new groups and one new position. The size of your organization and the complexity of the functions will determine how large a team is actually necessary. However, the descriptions of the tasks to be completed are the same no matter what size organization, and the number of people involved may be as few as one in a smaller company.

The first necessity is a Project Manager (PM). In larger organizations, this may become a full-time position during the length of the software selection project. The Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating all of the activities associated with the software selection project. He or she will report to the Management Steering Committee and chair the Project Team.

A management level Steering Committee is needed to function as a sounding board and central decision-making council. This group represents the interest of top management and the ownership of the firm. The ERP Project Team will represent all areas of the company and will be responsible for carrying out the plans approved by the Steering Committee. Detailed ERP software selection tasks will include everything related to the identifying and documenting business processes, and designing and implementing an information systems strategy.

Selecting the Project manager

The person in charge of the project management team must be excited about the project and be able to generate enthusiasm among the team members. In family owned businesses, you should avoid the tendency to appoint a family member or owner just to give them something to do. That decision may cause the software selection project to fail. Look for a volunteer. Look for someone who is trusted by top management and the ownership team.

This ERP software selection project will affect the long-term viability of the company. The right individual will have the ability to successfully control this process. The proper business software solution is integral to the total operation of a company today. Recognize the impact this project will have on everyone in your organization and everything it must accomplish to make your business successful or to stay successful.

Whoever is selected as ERP software selection Project Manager will have to be educated quickly. They must learn every operation of your organization, and must be able to communicate that to the software vendors. It will also be up to them to explain and guide key management members through technical decisions made by the Project Team. Often, a younger executive with computer skills is a good choice.

This person must also be able to deal with the top decision-makers in the company. When the project is completed, the Project Manager will be in a position to assume greater responsibility within the company. They will have just finished preparing the organization, both strategically and tactically, for a move into the future.

Project management skills are also a must in this position. If the best candidate is an unproven manager, teaming a younger owner/manager with a more seasoned one is a good combination. Most (if not all) other day-to-day duties should be removed from their plate. Managing and keeping the project on track will become a full time activity in all but the smallest companies.