By John Taman, International Engagement Manager, Pipol
As an ERP project owner, you must make a crucial decision on handling the implementation process. Depending on the project’s size and complexity, you have a few options: You can assign the task to an internal project manager, work with a local partner, or engage with an International Engagement Manager at Pipol. This blog will examine these options and explain how an International Engagement Manager can enhance your project’s success and shield you from potential failures.
Managing an international ERP project, especially if you do it rarely, comes with challenges. Your main concern is ensuring the project’s success and protecting your organization against project failure. At Pipol, we have the expertise and oversight needed to drive the project forward and handle the many challenges of such a significant job.
Best practices for managing international ERP projects
Implementing an ERP project within a single organization in one country is often straightforward and can be handled by an internal project manager. This is a “light implementation,” usually lasting around three months. If your project extends to multiple countries in your region, a local partner with regional experience can act as the project manager, ensuring compliance with local requirements and smooth rollouts. For each additional country involved, you should allocate around three months for the rollout phase after the initial three months of building the core solution.
However, we highly recommend working with one of our experienced International Engagement Managers when dealing with ERP implementation across several countries. Projects spanning five, ten, or more countries may take up to three years to complete. An Engagement Manager provides crucial oversight and support throughout this time, guiding the project and helping you navigate any unexpected challenges. And trust me, there will be challenges.
Overcoming Challenges with International Engagement Managers
Many companies hesitate to seek external assistance due to concerns about rising costs. However, the actual cost of self-managed implementation often ignores the significant risk of failure. While hiring an International Engagement Manager may incur additional expenses, it acts as insurance against project failure, ultimately keeping your budget in check. Here’s how:
- Access to experience: Unlike CIOs or CFOs, who may encounter international ERP implementations once a decade, Pipol brings over 25 years of experience and has completed 1500 implementation projects, ensuring efficient assistance tailored to your needs.
- Global partner network: With over 100 committed partners worldwide, we offer one seamless, interconnected delivery and eliminate the uncertainty of selecting suitable partners.
- Single point of contact: Partnering with Pipol means entrusting us with all responsibilities, saving you from managing multiple vendors, partners, and countries. We handle communication and accountability, allowing you to focus on strategic initiatives.
- Negotiated pricing: Leveraging our market experience and volume, we negotiate competitive prices on licenses and vendor rates, maximizing cost savings.
- Risk mitigation: Outsourcing the project to us reduces uncertainty and complexity, providing a comprehensive overview and proactive risk management.
- Sparring partner: We serve as your trusted advisor and sparring partner from problem identification to solution implementation. We also help you embrace the organizational transformation and ensure commitment.
With Pipol’s International Engagement Managers, you’re not just safeguarding your ERP project but ensuring its success. For personalized insights on how an International Engagement Manager can enhance your ERP project, please contact us using the form to the right.
Learn more about Dynamics project revitalization here.
Share this post
