The Importance of a Strategic ERP Project Kick-Off

Congratulations! Your ERP Project business case is approved, and you’ve appointed a specialist ERP Project Manager a (Why a Specialist Project Manager Matters for your Complex ERP Project: A Sports Analogy). Now, you’re ready to embark on this transformative journey and are eager to have the project kick-off session.

But wait! Your kick-off session is one of the most fundamental moments of your project – it is the cornerstone of success. Just like in rugby, where the kick-off sets the tone for the game, your project kick-off is a pivotal moment that shapes the flow of play throughout the project.

Maximising Success with Proper Preparation

Before diving into the kick-off, thorough preparation is essential. Imagine a rugby team taking the field without a game plan, clear roles, or cohesive teamwork - it would likely result in chaos and confusion. Similarly, a well-executed project kick-off lays the groundwork for successful ERP project execution by aligning stakeholders, clarifying expectations, and addressing potential challenges.

Key Aspects of Preparation

Team Structure

• Just as a coach meticulously selects players for each position, define roles and responsibilities within your project team.

• Appoint assistant coaches (team leads) to support specific aspects of the project.

• Define the vision, branding, and sponsor requirements to ensure team alignment.

• Kick-off: Share the project structure, roles, and responsibilities, fostering cohesion through team-building exercises.

Game Plan and Definition of Success

• Develop the game plan, define success, and outline the milestones needed to achieve it.

• Define how a change in play will be handled and consider the different scenarios.

• Kick-off: Communicate the high-level plan, milestones, and success criteria to set clear expectations. Share processes for Risk, Issue, Decision, and Scope Management, along with identified risks, issues, dependencies, and assumptions.

Engaging Supporters (End Users)

• Define the communication channels and plan to keep supporters informed and excited about the game.

• Kick-off: Share the change management plan to engage end users and their involvement in the project.

 Collaboration and Communication

• Ensure necessary resources and facilities are in place to support the project team.

• Establish clear communication channels within the project team and with stakeholders.

• Kick-off: Share the collaboration tools, physical/virtual spaces and communication channels.

Remember, just like a rugby team, your ERP project’s success depends on effective preparation, teamwork, and clear communication. Let’s kick off this project with confidence!