How to make ERP User friendly?

The very thought of ERP function creates a sense of apprehension and hesitation among users. They get scared on thinking about their fate of working with the technology. These are only mindsets. They have to be dealt carefully so that the end users are comfortable in working with ERP software application so that they contribute towards the company's benefits.

Some of the steps suggested include:

Proper Training

This is the most crucial factor in making ERP user friendly. The training program has to be designed based on the requirements of the users. In fact many companies use their in house IT staff to draft the training curriculum in consultation with the ERP consultant. It is advisable to follow this procedure because companies know what their employees are looking and they will help in providing the required material to upgrade and clarify them in all respects. ERP software vendor will not be able to provide this.

It has been often said that ERP training should not resemble a technical symposium. If companies are unmindful to this notion then they are likely to land in more trouble as the process will only create fear and confusions among employees. The thrust areas in training should be as simple as possible and reach the laymen so that he understands the procedures and becomes a master over a period of time. These steps will ensure proper use of ERP software application.

If these issues are not addressed in the right manner the companies will later find their employees in debacle and blaming their employer in infusing the technology despite opposition. The purpose in giving large importance to training is to make the employees understand the nuances and develop a liking. ERP function will then become a part and parcel of their working. Training should impart the knowledge required to unravel the mystery behind ERP software application.

Making the Employees a part of ERP committee

The employees will have to be included in the core committee of ERP decision making team not because of power politics but for practical reasons like expressing difficulties and making representations and as when needed. If the management is thinking of hiring an ERP consultant and making use of the services of IT personnel alone for ERP process it is certainly an unwise move.

Neither the IT staff nor the ERP consultant is going to regularly use the ERP systems of the company regularly. Even if the IT staff uses it will be on the programming areas and not on the functional issues. Hence proper attention should be received from the persons who would be making use of it. This will help in rejuvenating the modification process and make it more meaningful and user friendly. This committee should be in action right from the time of making negotiations with ERP software vendor.

Make the necessary Alterations

The very purpose in having employees in the core team is to obtain suggestions and make adjustments as and when demanded (of course subject to the validity and approval from technical people. The amendments shall be made as and when required and it need not necessarily be at the request of the employee. The technical personnel or the consultant himself might find some flaws and advantages while examining ERP in the company. Whenever there is an opinion from any source it should be immediately heard. The expression of views will go a long way in making ERP user-friendly. These alterations should be reviewed before deciding on the ERP software vendor.

Conclusion

These are the basic steps to ensure a user friendly ERP. Other actions would largely depend on various circumstances in the company (that decide ERP function).

What are the steps to be taken to account the performance ERP software programs in your organization?
Getting to know BPR
What are the reasons for ERP failure? How to avoid them?
Choosing ERP Software
Customizing ERP Software
How to set ERP Standards?
Factors influencing ERP price
What is the Necessity for ERP Gap Analysis and how is it done?
ERP Implementation Guideline
ERP Implementation Life Cycle
Challenges faced by ERP
Flaws in ERP training
How to overcome ERP troubles?
Significance of ERP Implementation
What are the lessons learnt from ERP Performance Studies?
What are the different methods in implementing ERP?
Constituents of ERP Training
Errors in ERP implementation
Process Management