Deciding to integrate an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system into your business strategy is no small feat, especially in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. It can be a big move, but when done well, promises to streamline operations, enhance data visibility, and foster efficient decision-making.
If you want organisational agility and competitiveness in the market, then a new ERP might be exactly what you’re looking for – as long as you implement it strategically.
To smoothly transition into your ERP, teaming up with local experts isn’t just a ‘nice to have’. It’s a smart move that pays dividends. Let’s look at the five reasons why partnering with local ERP specialists vs. consultants working remotely – is a game-changer for success.
While we love video calls, they’re not always the best way to start an ERP partnership. Remote teamwork is a great way to connect with an international team and get expertise from around the world – but when it comes to implementation, you want someone you can call on anytime.
Working with local ERP experts means you get face-to-face interaction, on-site support, people who understand the local regulations and practices, and are more attuned to the local business culture and your specific business needs. Speaking face-to-face simply helps break down communication barriers. There’s a lot that might be lost at those early stages if you rely too much on emails or even video calls.
You can always make use of remote support later – but starting with in-person meetings means you get to cut through virtual communication barriers, foster clarity, get great goal alignment, and build a genuine sense of partnership with your implementation team.
Engaging in video meetings offers a cost-effective way to stay connected, but let's face it - there's a unique value in that personal touch that's hard to replicate virtually. This becomes especially critical when dealing with a significant investment such as the implementation of an ERP system; establishing a genuine connection with your ERP partner is essential for them to truly grasp the nuances of your business.
Prioritising face-to-face meetings proves to be a wise strategy in the long run. While virtual collaboration might seem economical, the reality is that expenses associated with overseas consultants can add up quickly. Flights, accommodation, and meals can become expensive line items on a project that can take months to complete.
Local experts don’t just know ERPs. They also bring with them a better understanding of regional business processes and compliance requirements. At Fusion5, we work with Australian and Kiwi businesses – so we know the legal, regulatory, and market challenges that our local organisations face every day.
Remote partners meanwhile may struggle to comprehend these unique requirements, potentially leading to mismatches between the ERP system and business needs. While there are great lessons to be learned from around the world, they should be filtered and funnelled into your business where they’re going to be the most effective – and that takes local know-how.
In the realm of ERP implementation, one crucial aspect that decision-makers often overlook is the speed and efficiency of technical support.
Help should be available as and when you need it. Communicating across different time zones can lead to frustratingly slow responses, causing delays in decision-making and potential disruptions that have the potential to translate into lost revenue, unhappy customers, and a dent in the overall reputation of your business.
Fusion5’s project team always includes a Senior Supplier (often from our senior leadership team). This addition helps maintain executive relationships, adds a layer of accountability, and provides reassurance to all our clients throughout the project.
Let’s build on the above point: local ERP experts not only ensure that staff can adapt to the new system effectively but can also help foster employee engagement.
Delayed or inadequate training can create resistance to change, errors in system usage, and a subsequent impact on productivity.
Ensuring that staff can seamlessly adapt to the new system is a multifaceted challenge that is made more difficult if you’re only working with remote consultants. Without the personal touch of local experts, employees may struggle to navigate the intricacies of the new ERP system. And if your team feels ill-equipped to use the new system, then they’re more likely to resist its implementation, creating a bottleneck in the adoption process.
When local support is only a phone call away, you’ll have fewer errors, better team engagement, and a faster, more efficient change process for better results sooner. At Fusion5, we have a dedicated Organisational Change Management (OCM) team that has the primary goal of making sure that your project is a success by helping you to engage the hearts and minds of your people from Day One.
Investing in a new ERP is a transformative journey – so it pays to partner with local experts to ensure that you avoid common pitfalls and get the results you deserve.
Don’t let your ERP project become a costly failure. Instead, let it be a testament to your organisation’s commitment to excellence.
If you’re keen to learn more, then download our eBook: How to choose the right ERP. Then sign up for our ERP newsletter and discover how we take a strategic approach to ERP implementation and will support your journey toward a better, more efficient business.
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