Implementing an ERP system is a powerful move for any distribution business—but scaling that system across multiple departments, locations, and teams? That takes more than good software. It takes strong, empowered ERP champions on the ground.
ERP champions are your internal advocates. They’re the bridge between technology and operations. When chosen and supported the right way, they don’t just drive adoption—they become a scaling force for your entire business.
Here’s how building ERP champions helps you scale with stability—and how to do it right.
Why ERP Champions Matter for Growth
As your distribution business grows—adding warehouses, delivery regions, and more complex workflows—your ERP system must keep up. But that only works if your people know how to use it well.
Strong ERP champions:
Accelerate system adoption
Reduce user errors and downtime
Improve training and onboarding at scale
Create consistent processes across locations
Gather feedback to improve how ERP supports real-world tasks
Bottom line: ERP champions reduce friction and increase system ROI as you grow.
- Identify the Right People to Be ERP Champions
Don’t just look for the most tech-savvy person. Look for those who:
Understand day-to-day operations deeply
Are respected by their peers
Have strong communication and patience
Show curiosity and accountability
Embrace change instead of resisting it
Pro tip: Pick champions across roles—yard, warehouse, dispatch, admin—not just one department.
- Train Champions Differently From Everyone Else
ERP champions need more than user-level training. They need to:
Understand workflows end-to-end
Know how to troubleshoot and escalate
Explain the why behind processes to others
Provide peer coaching with confidence
Give them: ✅ Advanced role-based ERP access
✅ “Train-the-trainer” sessions
✅ Scenario-based workshops and real-time practice
✅ Tools for fielding and documenting questions from users
- Create a Scalable Support Structure Around Them
As your business scales, so does complexity. Champions need support.
What that looks like:
A centralized ERP resource hub (videos, guides, workflows)
Monthly ERP champion huddles across locations
A dedicated ERP success manager or internal “help line”
Clear escalation paths for technical issues or feedback
With the right structure, your ERP champions don’t burn out—they multiply your system’s effectiveness.
- Let Champions Drive Change—Not Just Defend It
Champions aren’t there to just enforce rules. The best ones improve processes by collecting insights from the field and bringing them back to the ERP team.
Encourage them to:
Log pain points and workarounds
Suggest improvements to forms, workflows, or reports
Act as beta testers for system updates
Empower them as solution-builders, not system police.
- Make ERP Champion Work a Growth Path—Not a Side Gig
To scale successfully, ERP champions should see this role as a stepping stone—not extra work.
What high-growth companies do:
Recognize champions publicly and tie their impact to KPIs
Include ERP leadership in development plans and reviews
Promote champions into team leads, system analysts, or ops strategy roles
This creates a talent pipeline of tech-savvy operational leaders—perfect for a scaling business.
- Track the Impact of Champions Across the Business
Measure how your champions are moving the needle:
Time-to-proficiency for new users
Reduction in ERP-related errors or support tickets
Increase in user satisfaction and adoption rates
Improvements in reporting accuracy or process consistency
Use these metrics to justify more investment in your ERP enablement program as your team and locations expand.
Final Thoughts
ERP systems are powerful—but people make them work.
If you want to scale your distribution business efficiently, don’t just focus on the tech. Focus on the champions who will bring that tech to life across your team.
Build your ERP strategy on empowered employees, not just implementation plans—and you’ll gain the clarity, consistency, and control needed to grow with confidence.
