When implementing an ERP system, a core team must be selected from across the business to work with vendors. Core team members should have thorough knowledge of business processes, be respected leaders and problem solvers, and be able to explain requirements and identify solutions. It is important to select core team members who are team players, have strong communication and analytical skills, and a track record of producing results. The selection of a highly functional core team is crucial to the success of an ERP implementation project.

1. Selecting an ERP Project Core Team
When implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning software application, it is important to select
representatives from areas across the business. These Core Team Members will work cooperatively with
the vendors’ Application Consultants. Together they will evaluate and adjust the application to best fit
their unique business requirements.
Core Team Members are people who can represent their respective functional areas in the organization
and are empowered by the management team to make business process decisions. They should have a
thorough knowledge of how their operations or processes are impacted by or impact other groups
within the organization. They should be visionary enough to understand where the company would like
to go and how their group can support that future-state.
It’s important to select members who are respected by their peers as team-players. They must have
good verbal and written communication skills and should be seen as people who are trusted by the
management team. These individuals should possess the ability to think abstractly, in future-state, and
have strong analytical skills. They must have a broad understanding of the business processes extending
beyond their functional group and should be skilled in problem solving and process analysis.
The Core Team Member provides business process requirements to the vendors’ Application
Consultants and will participate in workshops, interviews and meetings to transfer their understanding
of the business to the vendors’ Application Consultants. They will be called upon to explain existing
business processes and future requirements. They will help evaluate gaps and define solutions for
proposed solutions. They will have a direct responsibility for either training end-users or identifying and
preparing others from the organization who will act as Trainers. Core Team Members will be
responsible for evaluating and recommending Change Requests as they are encountered.
Look for candidates that have exhibited traits that have proven useful in other projects. Perhaps
individuals who have been successful with Lean Manufacturing initiatives, Quality Management / ISO
Certification projects, product launches, facility moves, etc. These people are typically seen as team
players. A successful Core Team Member is someone who is a strong leader, but not necessarily strong-
willed – someone who will stand up for their beliefs, yet be willing to consider an alternative point of
view when presented. These people have a track record of being action-oriented and producing results
rather than merely pointing out weaknesses or complaining. In management, these individuals are seen
as excellent coaches and utility players.
In organizational change management, the selection and preparation of a highly-functional Core Team is
crucial to the success of an ERP implementation project.
©2010 Lionshare Software, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.lionsharesoftware.com

2. About Lionshare Software
Lionshare Software Inc., was launched by ERP and CRM selection consultants
and project managers with extensive experience in a variety of applications,
businesses and industry verticals. This allows us to identify common pitfalls
to avoid and best practices to employ when selecting and implementing
enterprise software applications.
By hiring Lionshare Software consultants to assist in the software-selection
process, our customers have reduced total project costs, had better results,
and have had a more satisfying experience than previous projects
Lionshare Software is a truly independent consulting firm with no
partnerships, relationships or affinity with any particular software product
or implementation vendor. This independence assures you get a truly
independent evaluation and recommendation that meets your specific
business requirements.
Contact us today and start your ERP or CRM project on the right track.
Lionshare Software, Inc.
148 East St. Suite 104
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-442-8401
888-741-0262
www.lionsharesoftware.com
info@lionsharesoftware.com Lionshare Software, Inc.
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