Embarking on an enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation journey is a pivotal step for any manufacturing business that’s looking to grow by streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and elevating communication. At the center of your digital transformation process is your ERP project manager. So who should take the reins?
In this article, we’ll explain what an ERP project manager is, what qualifications and skills they should have, and the roles and responsibilities this person will take on.
What Is an ERP Implementation Project Manager?
An ERP implementation project manager is the quarterback of your ERP implementation roadmap. Working closely with your ERP consultant, the project manager is typically selected from within the company, but can also be hired or contracted for the job.
The ERP project manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of an ERP system implementation from start to finish, and their role may even continue after as training, maintenance, and upgrades are needed.
What Does an ERP Project Manager Do? Roles and Responsibilities
Like any project manager, your ERP manager should be skilled at organizing and delegating tasks. Project managers need to coordinate with various teams, manage resources, and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
ERP project manager roles and responsibilities include:
1. Project Planning
The project manager outlines the ERP implementation from start to finish by outlining tasks, timelines, KPIs, and resource requirements.
2. Change Management
It’s important to get employee buy-in from the start. Your project manager should be communicating the benefits of the new ERP system and fielding questions and concerns as they arise. Read our change management tips.
3. Stakeholder Collaboration
ERP systems affect every department in the company. It’s the project manager’s responsibility to keep stakeholders from each department informed about their responsibilities, challenges, progress, needs, and decisions throughout the process.
4. Budget Management
The ERP project manager is responsible for keeping the ERP implementation on track. That means allocating the budget accordingly and keeping track of costs and expenses.
5. Quality Assurance
It’s important that the ERP implementation manager knows the desired outcomes of the ERP implementation and ensures that goals are reached for each department.
6. Training and Support
The project manager needs to familiarize themself with the software to help employees quickly adjust to the new system. While your ERP consultant will also be able to assist with user adoption, it’s crucial a member of the company, the project manager, be available to help, too.
The ERP project manager plays a crucial role in driving successful ERP implementations by coordinating all the moving parts that come with an ERP implementation.
Who Is Right for ERP Project Management?
ERP implementations are a huge and often costly undertaking. That’s why it’s so important that the person you pick to be the ERP project manager is fully invested, extremely organized, and a fantastic community organizer.
Here are some additional considerations when selecting an ERP project manager:
- Project management experience: Does the interviewee have experience creating and executing project plans, managing resources, and tracking and reporting progress?
- Technical experience: Do they understand ERP systems? How about software implementation? Data management? These are all bonuses and can help get the job done right.
- Business knowledge: How familiar is the applicant with business processes? Do they understand processes across departments like finance, human resources, logistics, and manufacturing? Will they understand how the ERP implementation helps achieve those departments’ goals?
- Communication skills: Communication skills are arguably the most important aspect of ERP project management. How are their written and oral communication skills?
- Leadership skills: Is this person a natural leader? Change management can be a challenge, and the project manager may run into pushback. How well can they get the team on board?
- Attention to detail: ERP implementation requires meticulous planning, documentation, and testing to ensure accuracy. How good is the potential manager at keeping an eye on the details?
This might seem like a lot to ask of an employee, but the right person will rise to the challenge. After all, being a successful ERP implementation project manager is a huge resume-booster and confidence builder.
Not Sure Who to Choose for the Role of ERP Project Manager?
That’s where your ERP consulting firm comes in. At Godlan, we have over 35 years of experience helping manufacturing companies grow through ERP selection, implementation, and ongoing support. We can help you choose the right employee for ERP project management, and so much more. Contact us today to learn more.
