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Our team had the pleasure of working with Jan, and were incredibly grateful that our procurement solutions helped him unlock potential. Now, with his recent career change he's able to share some of things he learned throughout the project.
From our conversation, Jan shared how he was able to streamline processes and overcome resistance to get adoption.
He goes on to share that online platforms like Amazon are so intuitive that no one needs to use their manual. But for SAP, it’s a bit different.
In a world where customization often seems like the holy grail, our guest speaker, Jan, has shown us that sometimes, starting with an out-of-the-box solution can be a game-changer. So, let's dive into the key takeaways from the latest episode of The Neverending Climb to Stronger Supply Chain and Procurement For Companies Running SAP.
1. Embracing Change
When it comes to implementing new solutions, especially in large organizations, there's often a natural resistance.
People are cautious about embracing change. However, Jan's experience illustrates that with the right approach, you can turn this resistance into enthusiasm.
Within a few weeks, their business was asking to accelerate the rollout because vendors stopped complaining about invoice payments, allowing them to focus on core activities.
2. Ease of Adoption
One of the crucial factors for success was making the transition easy for everyone involved. Jan shared a quote from a supplier: "I'm not supercomputer literate, but this is so easy, I don't see how I could get it wrong."
The ease of adoption was a catalyst for more vendors joining the platform. Remember, simplicity can often be your best friend.
3. Keeping It Basic
Jan emphasized the importance of keeping things simple.
Instead of attempting a massive overhaul, focus on addressing the most significant pain points.
Identify the one big step you can take within a few months to make a substantial difference. High cadence, quick deliverables, and a step-by-step approach can lead to more successful transformations.
4. Identifying the Elephant
Before diving into change, make sure you're clear about the problem you're trying to solve—the "elephant" in the room.
This clarity ensures that the changes you make align with your overarching goals.
Avoid the temptation to jump into solutions that may not address the core issue.
5. "Make Things Better, Not Worse"
A guiding principle in their transformation was to ensure that every improvement made things better and not worse.
Sometimes, stakeholders may suggest complex features, but it's essential to evaluate if these features are necessary or if they could be addressed in a more straightforward way.
Don't aim for perfection; aim for substantial progress.
6. The Power of Communication
Lastly, maintaining open communication and regular progress checks are essential. High cadence change requires consistent monitoring to ensure you're on track.
It's easy for teams to veer off course, but with effective communication, you can bring everyone back on track.
Conclusion
Jan's journey teaches us that sometimes, the most effective solutions are not the most complex ones.
By addressing pain points, keeping it simple, and maintaining a clear vision, you can overcome challenges and drive transformation in your organization.
So, as you embark on your own journey, remember the power of taking little bite-sized pieces and not letting the pursuit of perfection get in the way of progress.
What has your biggest barrier preventing your team from solution adoption?