This document discusses training strategies for SAP ERP implementations. It provides background on SAP and ERP systems, as well as some of the challenges with long and complex ERP implementations. It then describes a case study where a financial services company implemented various SAP ERP modules over 18 months using a blended training approach with elearning and instructor-led classes developed in parallel with the system to help users adapt to changes.

1. Training Strategies
for SAP ERP
Implementations
Ray Magnan
© Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan

2. Overview – SAP 2
SAP
• SAP AG is a German software corporation that provides enterprise software
applications.
• Founded in 1972 as Systemanalyse und Programmentwicklung (System Analysis
and Programs Development).
• Headquartered in Germany, with regional offices around the world.
• Largest enterprise software company in the world (2009).
• Largest software company in Europe.
• Fourth largest globally.
ERP
One of SAP's best known products is Enterprise Resource Planning (SAP ERP).
© Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan

3. Overview – ERP 3
Enterprise Resource Planning (SAP ERP)
• The ERP application is designed to meet the business software requirements of
midsize and large organizations in all industries and sectors.
• It enables the full integration of software used for a variety of corporate
functionality.
• Primary potential benefit is an increases efficiency in business processes.
• ERP consists of a number of modules including:
Marketing and sales
Field service
Product design and development
Production and inventory control
Human resources
Finance and accounting
© Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan

4. Challenges & Training Solutions 4
Challenges
• Long and complex implementation
• Resistance to change
• Organizational differences
• Inadequate preparation for change
Training Solutions
• A fully integrated training solution can help reduce the impact of these
challenges.
• Increase buy-in from stakeholders and users.
• Reduce implementation delays.
• Facilitate new system utilization.
© Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan

5. Case Study 5
• SAP ERP implementation in the North American division of a global financial
services institution.
• ERP had previously been implemented in divisions in Europe and Latin America.
• Phased installation of individual modules over eighteen month period.
• Installed modules included:
Budget Management & Control
Budget Preparation
Business Warehouse Reporting
Accounts Payable
Cost Management and Procurement (CMP)
Fixed Assets
Material Ordering (Catalog)
Employee Expenses
Real Estate
© Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan

6. Project Teams & Implementation Process 6
Project Teams included:
• Development teams from corporate headquarters in Europe.
• North American installation teams.
• Consultants from previous SAP ERP installations in Latin America and Europe.
• Training.
Implementation Process for each Phase
• Initial kickoff. Demonstration of systems as used in other global operations.
• Specification, customization, and development of system to meet local
requirements.
• Test & QA.
• Go-Live. In some cases, this was a phased transition from the systems
previously used for the business process.
© Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan

7. Parallel Development 7
Training was developed in parallel with system development and implementation.
Kickoff Demo
Kickoff Demo Development
Development Go-Live
Go-Live
Test & QA
Test & QA
• Used to create • Development and Blended learning included:
initial training Test/QA system • Elearning:
framework and used to develop - Created in Captivate.
outlines. finalized training - Hosted on SumTotal Learning
Management System (LMS).
• Validated with
SMEs and future • Instructor-led training:
students. • Small audiences and
complex materials.
• Classroom-based and
webinars.
• Reference materials hosted
on LMS.
© Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan

8. Sample Listings in LMS 8
Listings include:
Listings include:
••Elearning Courses
Elearning Courses
••Reference Documents
Reference Documents
© Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan

9. Sample Elearning Topics 9
••Sample topics
Sample topics
for Business
for Business
Warehouse
Warehouse
Reporting.
Reporting.
© Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan

10. Sample Interactive Demonstration 10
••Interactive demonstrations in the elearning
Interactive demonstrations in the elearning
courses familiarized users with the system
courses familiarized users with the system
functionality.
functionality.
© Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan

11. Sample Job Aid 11
••Job aids provided
Job aids provided
detailed overviews
detailed overviews
of the new business
of the new business
processes.
processes.
© Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan

12. © Copyright 2011 Ray Magnan