Above: Knowledge is power. Resistance to change can be overcome with the right approach
PERHAPS THE TRICKIEST OBSTACLES FOR MOST MANUFACTURERS INTENT ON REPLACING LEGACY DATA SYSTEMS IS RESISTANCE TO CHANGE. THIS NATURAL PREDISPOSITION IS ENCOUNTERED WITHIN SOME, IF NOT ALL, DEPARTMENTS BUT RESISTANCE CAN BE COUNTERED – WITH THE RIGHT APPROACH.
K3 Syspro has produced an eBook which is dedicated to this issue. Its aim is to help managers understand and overcome the numerous causes for concern that teams typically have during IT projects. This includes fears about the future security of their jobs due to automation. They may also worry that an ERP implementation will cause disruptions to their day to day activities. The eBook also points out some of the concerns (both unique and common) stemming from specific departments of a manufacturing business, from senior leaders to shop floor. To a large extent this echoes K3 Syspro’s approach to working with manufacturers, involving every organisational level, not just the senior executives, to obtain a full and accurate picture.
With this backdrop the eBook makes the arguments for implementing modern ERP systems, while dispelling myths, fears and reluctance and pointing the way to making a start on the process.
Some people just won’t be led though, will they? The eBook instances the case of a chemicals company K3 Syspro visited to discuss how ERP solutions might boost performance:
On the face of it, this is a model global business. But lack of investment has left it operating an archaic, unsupported IT system which cannot keep pace with modern demands. Staff spend hours manually inputting data, which wastes a lot of time, and exposes the business to the risks of human error. For a company that transports often dangerous chemicals around the world, errors are potentially disastrous.
As is often the case, key employees in the business hold deeply entrenched views about how best to do their job. They are suspicious of technology and fearful of automation. Different divisions are unable to share and access centralised data, which is having a negative impact on productivity, efficiency and ultimately, customer satisfaction.
Through the examples of ‘Tina’ in IT, ‘Tom’ the ordering and stock manager, ‘Phil’ the finance director, ‘Kirsty’ in customer service and ‘Surish’ in the sales team, K3 looks at the frustrations and obstacles in the way of these people doing their jobs efficiently.
At K3, the team’s job is to communicate the all-embracing benefits of ERP such as visibility, traceability, speed and joined up working, etc. For the chemicals company, that also means exploiting reliable centralised data, allowing different parts of the business to work in synergy.
To download the eBook go to www.k3syspro. com/resistance-to-change or to get in touch to find out how K3 Syspro can help your company overcome resistance to change when it comes to ERP implementation go to www.k3syspro.com or phone 0161 876 4498.
Key employees can often be suspicious of technology and fearful of innovation
K3’s job is to communicate the benefits of ERP including traceability, speed & ‘joined-up working’