ERP Selection & Executive Buy-In

You’ve done your research, evaluated your options and selected the best ERP for your business. Now that you want to purchase the system and begin the implementation process you need this critical piece – leadership buy-in. Without the support of the executives of your company, your work may be wasted. We’ve put together a list of a few of the must-read articles on how to pitch an ERP to executives, their requirements in an ERP and the impact executive acceptance of an ERP will have long-term.

Why Successful ERP Implementation Depends on Leadership Buy-In

Once an organization has gotten its leadership on board, done its ERP research and completed an ERP evaluation, it’s well on its way to making a smart ERP software investment. But without executive buy-in, none of this can happen. One of the primary roles of C-level executives is to establish the overall mission for an organization and drive the programs that make it happen. When it comes to adopting an ERP solution, the success of implementation rests on whether the leadership team is convinced that the software will support them in reaching organizational goals. Here are a few reasons you need leadership support to have a successful ERP implementation:

• Champion

  Every ERP implementation needs a champion, and that person must be on the leadership team. This person is the energy and drive behind the project that keeps everyone on track through the process.

• Manpower

  End users in all departments need to be involved, and the leadership team is your best bet in making sure the people who need to be there through the project are there.

• Staff Support

  If the employees across the company don’t witness the leadership team supporting and excited about the project, it’s unlikely that they’ll back it themselves.

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How to Pitch an ERP Software Solution to Executives

If you are responsible for convincing your organization’s C-suite that a new ERP software solution is necessary, you’ll first need to go through the ERP software selection process, which includes ERP research and evaluation. The information you gather at these stages will be crucial in convincing executives to support the project. Here are a few of the things you should include in your internal ERP pitch for leadership buy-in.

• Explain what ERP software is.

• Outline the costs of your preferred ERP system.

• Include an implementation timeline.

• Provide specific examples of how implementing an ERP aligns with your company goals.

After you go over the basics, dig into the specifics of what an ERP software solution offers your business. This should include addressing pain points that led you to research ERP solutions in the first place, along with how the ERP software you selected addresses these pain points. These can include:

• ROI

• Increasing efficiency in multiple departments

• Competitive advantage

• Forecasting and analytics

• Growth and scalability

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What are Executives Looking for in an ERP Software Solution?

Before you pitch an ERP solution to your leadership team, it’s essential to consider what their requirements would be in an ERP. Every C-level is different and will likely have unique preferences based on their experience, but they also will have some common things they agree upon. Here are four of the most important areas to focus on when considering the value of an ERP from a leadership perspective.

1. Increased Operational Efficiency

   It’s critical to remember that C-suite executives spend a significant amount of time utilizing data to find ways to improve a business’ bottom-line. As a result, any way that a software solution can increase operational efficiency is a massive selling point from their perspective.

2. Reductions in Operational Failure

   Similar to how the measurement of increased efficiency plays a positive role for executives, similar reports showcasing reduced operational failure also plays a huge part. Reduced failure typically implies limiting enterprise operational costs.

4. Enhanced Accuracy in Sales Projections

   Being able to understand what is and isn’t going to be run through a company’s revenue pipe can determine how much money those managers can expect ‘plow backs’ into their budgets.

5. More Dependable Cost Accounting

   No matter the size of a company, it is crucial that leadership can ensure that the enterprise is well-controlled and able to operate for the long-term. An ERP solution with above average cost accounting functionality can be a significant game-changer for executives in this area.

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“People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”

– John C. Maxwell

John C. Maxwell’s quote applies to companies in the ERP implementation process. If the leadership team is committed to the project and sees the long-term value it poses for the business, the rest will follow.

Need more information on the software? Check out the overview of Acumatica Cloud ERP Software. Remember, the company you choose to implement your software dictates the success or failure of your software investment, at Aqurus we’re passionate about providing superior ERP solutions and support.