Our Philosophy

Knowledge is the key to a successful ERP implementation.  IBC is dedicated to employing consultants and trainers who are experts in the implementation and support of ERP solutions.  Our senior level staff provides expert knowledge leading to better knowledge transfer, an unparalleled understanding of configuration alternatives, and an ability to deliver.

 

Every ERP implementation has similar struggles.  In study after study, it is shown that one of the primary reasons that ERP implementations fail is due to knowledge - the employee's knowledge as well as the implementer's knowledge. 

 

This lack of knowledge has the following effects:

1.  Fear of failure
2.  Resistance to change
3.  Inappropriate process design
4.  Inability of end users to perform their jobs

 

Fear of failure is detrimental to the buy-in needed by an ERP implementation.  As employees have a desire to be successful in their jobs - the fear that the system will never work can have numerous consequences including higher turnover, job dissatisfaction and stress.  Even with strong support from upper management, employees must become vested in the project in order for it to succeed.

 

Resistance to change is a significant barrier to overcome for any new IT project.  With ERP systems, this resistance is magnified significantly by the complexity of the system.  The resistance to change derives from the individual user’s inability to understand how things will work in the future.  Employee’s view their ability to do their job efficiently and effectively as a key reason for the company's willingness to employee them.  By changing systems, this feeling of security will be taken away (at least temporarily).  

 

One of the difficult challenges for an ERP implementation is fitting a square peg into a round hole - e.g., mapping the customer’s processes to the ERP systems capabilities.  Often, companies must go through a business process redesign in order for the system to work appropriately.  However, most ERP vendors have put mechanisms in place which allows the customer to 'modify' the ERP system in a way which makes the system work for them.  Unfortunately, these 'modifications' are typically only known by the most skilled consultants.

 

The cost of training end users is typically under budgeted in most ERP business cases.  It is also one of the key components to success.  Companies need to be committed to training their employees on the new system.  With any implementation, some processes are sure to change.  In the end, it is the ability for the company to continue in an uninterrupted state while improving processes that determine the success or failure of an ERP implementation.

 

With all of this said – there are two primary things that can help to alleviate these issues:

 

1.  The individual employees own education of the system
2.  The implementer’s knowledge of the system and the customers processes

 

IBC is keenly aware of these struggles and, as such, provide our customers with the solutions and education necessary to overcome these roadblocks.  With consultants that are extremely well trained, knowledgeable in the system and with years of industry experience,  we are able to provide solutions to the most demanding processes.  Additionally, as SAP's Preferred Education Partner, we are able to deliver the project and end user training critical to success.