Implementing an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is a major investment for any distribution business. When done right, it streamlines inventory management, improves order accuracy, and increases operational visibility. But simply installing the software isn’t enough—success depends on how well your people use it.
That’s where ERP champions come in. These are the individuals inside your distribution team who understand the system, advocate for its use, and help others adopt it effectively. And here’s the key: building ERP champions isn’t just about smoother operations—it’s directly tied to profitability.
Let’s break down why.
- Champions Reduce Downtime and Mistakes
ERP champions know the system inside and out. They help resolve day-to-day issues, troubleshoot data entry errors, and ensure consistent usage across shifts and departments. This minimizes downtime and reduces costly mistakes in areas like:
Order processing
Inventory counts
Shipping and receiving
Pricing and customer data
Profit impact: Fewer errors and delays mean faster order turnaround, fewer returns, and better customer satisfaction—all of which protect your margins.
- They Drive Adoption and Efficiency
New systems often face resistance. Without internal advocates, even the most powerful ERP tools can go underused. Champions help others understand how the ERP improves their daily work, making adoption faster and smoother.
They:
Train new hires
Offer peer support during change
Help tailor workflows that fit real-world processes
Profit impact: Higher adoption leads to better data, more efficient workflows, and faster decision-making—key drivers of productivity and cost control.
- They Surface Process Improvements
Champions don’t just use the system—they help improve it. Because they’re hands-on, they can identify inefficiencies, suggest automations, and propose smarter configurations based on how the warehouse, sales desk, or delivery schedule actually works.
Profit impact: Continuous process improvement leads to reduced labor waste, better inventory turns, and stronger customer service—all of which translate directly to the bottom line.
- They Bridge the Gap Between Operations and IT
In many distribution businesses, there’s a disconnect between the people running the systems and the people using them. ERP champions serve as translators, helping IT understand user needs and helping users understand system updates or limitations.
Profit impact: Smoother communication means faster problem resolution, fewer costly workarounds, and better system ROI.
- They Future-Proof Your Investment
ERP systems evolve—new features, integrations, updates. Without people in-house who understand the system and stay engaged, it’s easy to fall behind or underutilize critical tools.
Champions keep the system relevant by:
Staying current on features
Suggesting new modules or integrations
Driving ongoing training across teams
Profit impact: Maximizing your ERP’s capabilities increases long-term ROI and helps the business scale without reinventing the wheel.
Final Thought
ERP systems are only as powerful as the people who use them. By building internal ERP champions, distribution companies don’t just get smoother operations—they build a foundation for long-term profitability. Champions boost adoption, reduce friction, and unlock smarter, faster ways to do business.
If you want to get more out of your ERP investment, start by identifying and developing the people who will lead the charge.
