While a lot goes into a people-first strategy towards AI once it’s implemented, taking this approach begins before you’ve even installed the software. In order to truly embrace a people-first strategy, it’s crucial to partner with an ERP vendor who shares that strategy. Here at Laminin Solutions, we never lose sight of the people involved in our implementation projects. What do they need and want? How can we empower them through this software?

In this blog, we’ll take a look at a people-first approach to ERP software implementation. We’ll define the components of a people-first strategy, go over the human costs of legacy ERP systems and the benefits of modern ERP systems, highlight the importance of software adoption, and provide insight into Laminin’s implementation process.

What is a People-First Strategy in Software Implementation?

 A people-first strategy in software implementation focuses on prioritizing the needs, experiences, and well-being of users, employees, and stakeholders throughout the process. Instead of just optimizing for technical efficiency or cost savings, this approach ensures that technology serves people in meaningful ways.

A people-first strategy typically involves:

• User-Centered Process: The software is implemented with the end users in mind, considering their workflows, preferences, and challenges. This may entail a longer implementation process involving interviews, site visits, or surveys. Accessibility is also a key consideration in a user-centered process: how can you make the solution work well for all of your employees? If you don’t know what employees actually need, you won’t implement the right solution.
• Change Management & Training: In a people-first approach, experts support employees through software transitions with extensive training, resources, and availability for questions.
• Collaboration & Communication: A people-first strategy necessitates open dialogue between teams, leadership, and users. The implementation should not be a surprise to anyone—when the solution goes live, employees should feel prepared and excited for the new possibilities open to them. Management should solicit feedback about the new solution at regular intervals to ensure that the software is functioning properly and employees are adopting it to its fullest extent.

By putting people first, organizations can enhance employee satisfaction, improve adoption rates, and ultimately achieve better business outcomes and ROI.

The Human Costs of Legacy ERP

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” may be good advice in certain situations, but it isn’t a helpful mantra for a company aiming to improve its productivity and efficiency through software. It may seem like keeping a legacy ERP system saves you money, but staying on an old system means you’re missing out on all sorts of efficiency and profitability improvements that would be possible with a modern ERP.

A legacy ERP can pose challenges to employees, too. Many old systems do not prioritize user experience, containing clunky and confusing user interfaces (and that’s when they actually work correctly!). A lack of automation means that employees must perform repetitive manual tasks like extensive data entry or copying. Not only does this increase the likelihood of error, it also drains morale and job satisfaction. Using a legacy system may even contribute to higher rates of employee turnover, especially if your competitors are using modern systems.

Empowerment through Modern ERP

A modern, AI-enabled ERP like Epicor Kinetic empowers employees to perform higher-order tasks of real significance to the company. By automating tasks like manual data entry and reporting, a modern ERP frees up employee time and significantly increases efficiency and productivity. AI can enhance these benefits even more, providing unprecedented data visibility and ease of use for every employee. Modern ERPs also reduce stress and burnout that result from inefficient and high-stakes processes where human errors can be costly. What’s more, employees can have all the data they need to make good decisions right at their fingertips. A modern ERP can even improve job satisfaction, as employees who feel empowered and fulfilled will likely enjoy their jobs more and feel more loyal to the company.

Remember that these benefits can begin right at implementation: with a people-first strategy, employees can have confidence that their problems will be addressed and the solution will be tailored to their exact needs.

The Importance of Software Adoption

While the actual ERP software you implement can make a world of difference in your company, it’s important to note that the best ERP ever created won’t do any good if your employees don’t use it. You can increase software adoption by training, gamifying and incentivizing adoption, and strategically planning the rollout of your software. Ultimately, the most important factor in software adoption is ease of use. Software that makes your employees’ work more complicated and confusing is a failure.

For an in-depth look at the importance of software adoption and how to increase it, check out this blog.

A caveat here: while many employees will be excited about the possibilities of new software, some will be anxious—especially when it comes to AI solutions. Knowledge workers may fear that the new software will put them out of a job. Truly, though, GenAI can elevate knowledge workers’ output if used ethically and through a people-first strategy. Read more here on how to implement AI to support, not replace, knowledge workers.

Laminin’s People-First Process 

Here at Laminin, we’ve always embraced a people-first approach to software. Our approach emphasizes listening first: getting to know your business, the future users of the software, and what their needs are. We can customize the software we provide to create the best solution for your unique company. We don’t believe that “one size fits all” when it comes to software!

We also believe that implementation isn’t just about installing software. As part of our implementation process, we’ll train your team and be available for questions throughout the process. After the implementation itself, we’re happy to provide ongoing support or training so that you can continue to make the most of your software solution.