Modernizing Information Systems: A Necessity for Business Competitiveness
Modernizing information systems (IS) is no longer a choice, but a necessity to ensure business competitiveness. However, succeeding in this change process is complex. In fact, 70% of projects implementing systems such as ERP, CRM, or specialized software fail to meet cost, quality, and deadline objectives.
Here is a practical guide, proposed by Forvis Mazars in their white paper titled "How to Succeed in an Information System (ERP, CRM, specialized software, etc.) Change Project?", to navigate this transformation successfully:
Diagnostic and Analysis
An initial evaluation is crucial to determine the company's specific needs. This step involves a rigorous diagnosis of the project's current state and an analysis of the necessary level of adaptation to change. Companies are invited to examine available resources and recognize gaps to be filled. The insights obtained allow for personalized, pragmatic, and priority recommendations, ensuring an effective transition to new practices.
It is essential to explain the project's purpose, as a lack of clarity on the reasons for change can lead to resistance and uncertainty among teams. To achieve this, the concept of storytelling is recommended in this white paper.
Strategy and Planning
Implementing a robust transformation strategy requires close collaboration with the integrator and the Assistance to Mastering Work (AMOA). This alliance is essential for ensuring transparent communication with stakeholders and preparing and engaging teams to adopt new working methods. The coordination between SI integration and change management helps limit the gaps between current and future operating modes.
Implementation and Execution
The implementation phase is the decisive step where the change strategy is activated. Its primary objective is to identify, clarify, and prepare the modifications of business processes and organization induced by the introduction of the new tool or software. This involves not only the concrete execution of plans but also the organization of specific training to enable teams to develop the essential skills for the successful adoption of the new information system (IS). Managers must follow "Who does what?", "Change Preparation", "Kick-off Meetings", and especially the monitoring of team skills development. They are also called upon to define training paths.
Evaluation and Optimization
To ensure project success, it is crucial to accompany the launch and promote a culture of continuous improvement adapted to the company's evolution. Transparency towards clients and limiting the impact on productivity during the first weeks are essential. Moreover, the evaluation and optimization phase marks a turning point, shifting from operational to consolidating achievements. By exploiting the lessons learned, this key stage begins with the deployment of the new software and aims to ensure a durable and effective integration of information systems.
It is important to remember, as Forvis Mazars notes, that this change should not be approached as an IT process, but primarily as a business and human project.
For more information and concrete case studies, download the white paper.
