Why did Your ERP Project fail? : Vaguely designed training programs

60% of ERP Projects Fail.  I was actually surprised by this number or at least I used to be. I’ve been on plenty that were successful or at least I thought they were.  It turns out the success is in the eye of the beholder.

The systems are complex and the consultants that implement them cost a lot.  We average rates of $150 /hr.  and some 100+ plus hours of time to implement.  This is a high risk and multiple function touching project that changes the fabric of the entire company.

Implementation Training

One of the common reasons for ERP project failure is vaguely designed training programs. This means that the organization does not design or deliver effective training programs that address the needs and preferences of different user groups. Without proper training programs, the users may not be able to use the ERP system correctly, efficiently, or confidently. This inability to use a system properly results in the feeling of a failed project.

Some of the consequences of vaguely designed training programs include:

• Low user adoption: If the users are not trained or comfortable with the ERP system, they may resist using it or revert to their old ways of working. This can reduce the utilization and value of the ERP system and undermine the business objectives.

• Poor user performance: If the users are not trained or skilled with the ERP system, they may make mistakes or take longer to complete their tasks. This can affect the productivity and quality of the business operations and frustrate the users and customers.

• High user turnover: If the users are not trained or satisfied with the ERP system, they may become demotivated or dissatisfied with their jobs. This can increase the employee turnover rate and create additional costs and challenges for the organization.
  

Why does it happen?

Vaguely designed training programs can happen for various reasons, such as:

• No resources: The organization can’t afford, spare, or find enough money, time, or staff for the training programs. For example, no money for trainers, materials, or incentives; no time for planning, scheduling, or conducting training; no skilled or qualified trainers.

• No planning: The organization doesn’t have a clear or realistic plan for the training programs. For example, no learning objectives, outcomes, or assessments; no target audience, learning styles, or preferences; no delivery methods, formats, or tools.

• No evaluation: The organization doesn’t evaluate well or often the training programs. For example, no measurement of effectiveness, impact, or satisfaction; no feedback, input, or suggestions; no improvement of design, delivery, or content.
  

How can it be avoided?

To avoid vaguely designed training programs from causing ERP project failure, the organization should:

• Invest in resources: The organization should have enough money, time, and staff for the training programs. For example, afford trainers, materials, and incentives; have time for planning, scheduling, and conducting training; have skilled and qualified trainers.

• Plan carefully: The organization should have a clear and realistic plan for the training programs. For example, define learning objectives, outcomes, and assessments; identify target audience, learning styles, and preferences; establish delivery methods, formats, and tools.

• Evaluate regularly: The organization should evaluate well and often the training programs. For example, measure effectiveness, impact, and satisfaction; collect feedback, input, and suggestions; improve design, delivery, and content.

ERP project failure is a common and costly problem that can affect any organization that undertakes such a complex and risky endeavor. One of the reasons for ERP project failure is vaguely designed training programs, which can cause various problems for the ERP system and its users. Vaguely designed training programs can happen for various reasons, such as lack of resources, lack of planning, or lack of evaluation. To avoid vaguely designed training programs from causing ERP project failure, the organization should invest in resources, plan carefully, and evaluate regularly for the training programs. By doing so, the organization can increase the chances of a successful and beneficial ERP project.

Until Next Time…