adopt not adapt, until it really matters

Modern ERPs are all predicated on the assumption that you will adopt their processes, and adapt your organisation to fit the ERP.

This works, until it doesn't!

Every organisation has it's own unique DNA, it's value proposition, that it couldn't or shouldn't leave behind.

the background

You've just started on a digital finance transformation. Your ERP provider has convinced you that they can meet all your needs, and that you should change your processes to fit into the system.

Your programme kicks off and shortly into design sessions you realise the challenge. Making your business fit the system extends way beyond the reach of finance, and you just can't go and change the way the business operates to get your ERP live.

the structure

Instead of turning to scary words like can't, won't and delays, we should turn our attention to a much simpler and less confrontational concept: Trade-offs.

Every decision you are making is a trade-off. You get something that you want, but at what cost? For a lot of decisions this is easy as you are getting something that adds a lot of value, at the cost of something small or unimportant.

But what happens when the pressure bites? By understanding the different options for what you get, what you give up, and the cost (money, time, complexity / maintenance) you can make great decisions that you don't regret, because you fully understand the downside when you make them

the magic

Most implementation partners understand the technology, but how many of them will understand your business and help articulate the so what to your situation?

At this stage of your transformation journey, even the best of your internal teams won't have firmly grasped the finer nuances of the technology, so whilst they will know what they need, they won't be aware of the different options for achieving this.

Find someone who will listen, understand and give impartial advice

The real magic is in listening.

The real magic is in understanding.

By listening to what your teams need, and by critically questioning the outcomes that these items are needed for, we can form a true understanding of where the trade-offs might be.

Then we can use our industry and technology knowledge to suggest approaches, and help to articulate trade-offs.

Because the real magic happens when you understand the downsides of the decisions that you are making.

the conclusion

The only no-regrets decision is one where you fully understand the downsides of the decision before you make it.

Do you understand the trade-offs in the decisions you are making?

Would your teams benefit from some expert support and guidance?

If so, contact us for a discussion.