In the fast-paced world of distribution, an effective Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is essential for managing inventory, orders, customer data, and overall operations. However, implementing ERP successfully is about more than just having the right software—it’s about empowering your team to use it effectively.
ERP champions—employees who become internal advocates for the system—are key to ensuring that your ERP system is used to its full potential. These individuals play a pivotal role in training, troubleshooting, and promoting the system’s benefits to the rest of the team. Here are the top 10 best practices for building ERP champions inside your distribution team.
- Choose Champions with the Right Mix of Skills
Why it matters:
ERP champions need both technical understanding and strong interpersonal skills. They must be able to navigate the system proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues who may be less tech-savvy.
Best practice:
Identify team members who have a natural inclination for technology, a strong problem-solving mindset, and excellent communication skills. These champions will bridge the gap between technical experts and end-users.
- Provide Comprehensive, Role-Specific Training
Why it matters:
Your ERP champions will need an in-depth understanding of the system, but the training must also be relevant to their specific roles and departments.
Best practice:
Offer customized ERP training tailored to each department’s needs. Warehouse managers, for example, will require a different level of ERP expertise than sales reps. Role-specific training ensures that champions are equipped to support their team’s unique requirements.
- Equip Champions with Ongoing Education and Support
Why it matters:
ERP systems are constantly evolving, so ERP champions need to stay up-to-date with the latest features, best practices, and industry trends.
Best practice:
Invest in continuous education for your ERP champions. Offer opportunities for them to attend webinars, join ERP user groups, or participate in advanced training sessions. Keep them in the loop on updates and new functionalities to keep them engaged and well-informed.
- Encourage Peer Learning and Knowledge Sharing
Why it matters:
The best champions don’t just hoard knowledge—they share it. Encouraging peer-to-peer learning can help solidify the ERP system across your distribution team.
Best practice:
Create opportunities for champions to share their knowledge with others. This could be through lunch-and-learn sessions, team huddles, or informal mentoring. When team members can learn directly from peers, they feel more comfortable with the ERP system.
- Empower Champions to Troubleshoot and Support Their Teams
Why it matters:
One of the most valuable roles ERP champions play is troubleshooting day-to-day issues that arise within the team. A champion who can resolve problems quickly ensures that the ERP system remains an asset, not a burden.
Best practice:
Train ERP champions to handle common issues and inquiries. Set them up as the go-to resource for their department. Empower them to escalate complex problems to IT while troubleshooting simpler problems on the spot.
- Align Champions with Organizational Goals
Why it matters:
ERP champions should not only understand the technical aspects of the system but also how it aligns with the company’s broader business goals, such as improving efficiency, increasing customer satisfaction, and reducing costs.
Best practice:
Ensure that your ERP champions understand the strategic role of the ERP system. Help them see how the system drives the company’s overall success, so they can communicate this to their teams. Champions who understand the “big picture” will be better advocates for the system.
- Foster a Culture of Collaboration Between IT and End-Users
Why it matters:
ERP champions need to act as liaisons between the IT department (who manage the system) and the end-users (who use it daily). A collaborative approach ensures smooth communication and problem-solving.
Best practice:
Encourage regular meetings or feedback loops between ERP champions and IT staff. Champions can then bring back actionable insights to the broader team and ensure that any roadblocks are addressed quickly.
- Recognize and Reward Champions’ Contributions
Why it matters:
ERP champions invest time and effort to support their colleagues and improve processes. Recognizing their contributions can boost morale and reinforce the importance of their role.
Best practice:
Recognize ERP champions publicly—whether it’s through company-wide shout-outs, small incentives, or career growth opportunities. Acknowledging their hard work helps build motivation and encourages others to take on the role.
- Monitor ERP Usage and Performance Metrics
Why it matters:
Even the best ERP champions need data to assess the effectiveness of the system and identify areas for improvement.
Best practice:
Work with your ERP champions to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as system adoption rates, productivity improvements, or error reduction. Use these metrics to provide feedback and adjust training or support strategies where necessary.
- Foster a Feedback-Driven Improvement Culture
Why it matters:
The needs of your team and business evolve over time, and your ERP system needs to evolve with them. ERP champions should be proactive in gathering feedback and driving improvements.
Best practice:
Encourage ERP champions to regularly collect feedback from their teams about system usability and functionality. Create a structured process for them to provide this feedback to IT, ensuring that the ERP system adapts to the business’s changing needs.
Final Thought
Building a successful network of ERP champions is crucial to unlocking the full potential of your ERP system. These champions play a critical role in driving adoption, solving issues, and enhancing team performance. By following these best practices, distributors can empower their ERP champions to help streamline processes, improve efficiency, and contribute to long-term business success.
If you’re ready to take your ERP implementation to the next level, start by investing in your champions—because a well-equipped champion is the key to unlocking your ERP system’s full potential.
