The People Side of ERP: Leading Successful ERP Change (Separate registration is required.)

ERP implementations are among the most complex and risky transformations organizations undertake—and the greatest risks are rarely technical. In this engaging 3 hour conference workshop, leaders and ERP team members will explore the people side of ERP and why effective change management is now a critical success factor, not a “nice to have.”

Grounded in Prosci’s decades of change management research—including data specific to large technology and ERP transformations—this session addresses the essential questions leaders are asking: Why focus on change management for ERP? Why does it matter now more than ever? And what are the real risks of not addressing the human side of change?

Participants will examine common ERP pitfalls—resistance, productivity loss, adoption delays, workarounds, and benefit erosion—and learn how leading organizations mitigate these risks. The workshop introduces core change management principles and best practices proven to increase ERP adoption, usage, and realization of business value. Attendees will gain insight into how sponsorship, communication, readiness, and role clarity directly impact ERP outcomes across all levels of the organization.

Designed for executives, functional leaders, project sponsors, and ERP project team members, this session delivers practical research-backed guidance participants can immediately apply within their ERP initiatives. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of their role in ERP success, a shared language for leading change, and the confidence to proactively manage the people impacts of ERP—before risks turn into costly failures.

Outcomes of this workshop:

• Explain why the people side of ERP is critical to success: Articulate the business case for change management in ERP initiatives, including research based risks of neglecting adoption, engagement, and behavior change.
• Identify common people related risks in ERP transformations: Recognize patterns such as resistance, productivity loss, workarounds, and benefit erosion—and understand how these issues impact timeline, ROI, and value realization.
• Apply proven change management best practices to ERP programs: Understand how sponsorship, communication, readiness, and role clarity can be intentionally designed and deployed to increase ERP adoption, usage, and outcomes.

Note: Participants who successfully complete this preconference workshop will be eligible to receive an EDUCAUSE microcredential. To earn this digital badge, you must complete a brief workshop evaluation and share two key learning outcomes from your experience. All registered participants will receive an email on October 5 with instructions for completing these steps. Completion of both is required. To learn how to accept and make the most of your microcredential, visit the EDUCAUSE Microcredential website.