We asked a few of our United VARs members to share some advice for mid-market companies that are planning an international SAP roll-out…
Jörgen Aronsson, CEO, Implema Solutions (Sweden): It's important to understand that SAP global roll-outs involve a lot of change management. That’s true of any technology implementation project, but particularly so when you’re dealing with different countries and subsidiaries. Have the courage to involve them early in the process. That doesn't mean that you need to let each person who will be in the project have input into what the global template should look like. But they do need to understand the business reasons for the rollout. Make sure you communicate the benefits of the new system to the end-users. You need to take them on the journey with you and getting them on board at the beginning will smooth the process for you further down the line.
Alexander Gallmetzer, CEO, Derga Consulting (Italy): Keep the global template under control and don’t make too many changes in the periphery. Midmarket companies need to become faster and more flexible, which can only happen with a core ERP and/or Line of Business system that is controlled at a central level. This is very important. Communication between your IT department, business stakeholders and your SAP implementation partner is also key in order to get out the full benefits from the software.
Javier Navarro, Director, Seidor LATAM: My advice is to clarify the understanding that the SAP implementation partner has of the needs of the regional subsidiaries, and not just the headquarters. It’s important to choose an implementation partner that you can have a close working relationship with. One that is aligned with your way of thinking and has good experience in the SAP system you’re rolling out.
Ronnie Sung, Managing Director, DynaSys Solutions (Hong Kong, Macau & China):
The business owner must be the sponsor for any rollout, because what you are implementing is not just software. You are actually implementing standardizations of your company’s business processes. The project will run more smoothly if you get good engagement with the business owner and ensure you have their support and input throughout the project.
About United VARs
United VARs is a global alliance of SAP implementation partners and solution providers for the mid-market. With over 70 members in 100 countries, the alliance serves all types of SAP rollouts and integrations across the world. The organization provides businesses with local expertise ‘on the ground’ charged at local rates. All United VARs members work together as one team to provide a more personalized service than other global systems integrators are able to, and one that is better suited to mid-market budgets.
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