Training and Development: Investing in Your ERP Team
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are a cornerstone of modern business operations.
They unify finance, supply chain, HR, and customer processes into a single platform, enabling organisations to operate more efficiently and make smarter, data-driven decisions. But even the most sophisticated ERP software cannot deliver value without a skilled team to implement, manage, and optimise it.
Investing in training and development for your ERP team is essential. In this blog, we explore why ongoing learning is critical, the challenges organisations face, and best practices for building a high-performing, adaptable ERP team.
Why Training and Development Matters for Your ERP Team
1. ERP Platforms Are Continuously Evolving
ERP systems are dynamic. Vendors regularly release new features, modules, and integrations that can transform workflows and deliver new insights. Features like automated reporting, AI-driven analytics, and process optimization tools offer enormous benefits… but only if your team understands how to leverage them effectively.
Without continuous learning, staff can quickly fall behind, resulting in inefficient processes, suboptimal configurations, and missed opportunities to use the system strategically.
2. Skill Gaps Can Derail Projects
Even experienced ERP teams have gaps. For example, a team strong in finance modules may lack expertise in manufacturing or supply chain functionalities. Without proper training, staff may struggle with configuration, integration, or data migration, leading to delayed projects, costly errors, and frustrated users.
Investing in targeted training addresses these gaps proactively, ensuring each team member contributes fully to successful ERP deployment and ongoing operations.
3. User Adoption Depends on Competent Staff
High user adoption is one of the most critical success factors for ERP projects. Internal ERP team members are often the first point of contact for users. If your staff cannot train or guide employees effectively, adoption will suffer.
A well-trained team can:
•Conduct effective workshops and training sessions
•Translate technical changes into everyday business impact
•Troubleshoot issues quickly
•Configure workflows that reflect real business processes
The result is smoother implementation, higher adoption rates, and better business outcomes.
Challenges in Training and Development
Even organisations that recognise the value of ERP training often struggle with implementation. Common obstacles include:
1.Time Constraints
ERP teams often juggle day-to-day operational responsibilities with project delivery, making it difficult to schedule training without disrupting business operations.
2.Generic Training Programs
Many off-the-shelf ERP courses don’t align with your organisation’s specific processes or industry requirements, leaving important gaps in knowledge.
3.Knowledge Retention
Staff may forget key concepts or struggle to apply them without ongoing reinforcement, leading to inconsistent system use and mistakes.
4.Keeping Up with Updates
ERP vendors release updates regularly, requiring teams to continuously upskill to take full advantage of new functionalities.
Best Practices for Investing in Your ERP Team
1. Create a Structured Training Roadmap
Start by assessing your team’s current skills against your ERP implementation and operational requirements. Identify gaps and create a roadmap for training over time, prioritising critical roles and modules.
•New Hires: Onboarding that covers your organisation’s ERP configuration and business processes
•Existing Staff: Refresher courses, advanced modules, and cross-functional training
•Specialists: Deep dives into complex integrations, reporting, or industry-specific configurations
A structured roadmap ensures learning is deliberate and aligns with business priorities.
2. Use Multiple Learning Formats
People learn in different ways. A variety of approaches helps reinforce knowledge:
•Instructor-led training: Interactive workshops for hands-on learning
•E-learning modules: Self-paced courses for flexibility
•Knowledge sharing sessions: Internal forums to discuss lessons learned and best practices
•Mentorship or shadowing: Pairing less experienced staff with senior consultants
This combination ensures that learning sticks and is applied effectively on the job.
3. Invest in Certification and Professional Development
ERP certifications validate technical knowledge and signal expertise. Beyond technical skills, training in business analysis, change management, and project leadership strengthens the team’s ability to deliver results and drive adoption.
4. Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning
Training shouldn’t be a one-time event. Encourage team members to stay up to date through:
•Vendor release notes and system updates
•Industry webinars and conferences
•Internal knowledge-sharing initiatives
Recognise and reward continuous learning to embed it into your organisational culture.
5. Measure Training Impact
Training programs should produce measurable results. Track metrics like:
•ERP adoption rates
•Reduction in user errors and support tickets
•Project delivery timelines
•User satisfaction levels
These metrics help refine learning initiatives and demonstrate ROI to stakeholders.
The Long-Term Benefits of Investing in ERP Teams
When organisations invest in training and development, the benefits extend far beyond technical competence:
•Higher adoption rates: Confident teams enable smoother rollouts
•Fewer errors and rework: Best practices reduce costly mistakes
•Greater ROI: Your ERP investment is fully leveraged
•Employee retention: Staff feel valued when supported in skill growth
•Scalability: Teams can adapt to updates, new modules, and business growth
Ultimately, investing in your ERP team is an investment in the long-term success and sustainability of the system itself.
ERP systems can transform organisations but only if the people using and managing them are skilled, confident, and continuously developing.
Structured, ongoing training ensures your team can deliver successful implementations, drive adoption, and continuously optimise the system to meet evolving business needs.
By treating training and development as a strategic investment, organisations set themselves up for long-term ERP success, operational efficiency, and measurable business outcomes.
