What is the role of the steering committee and who are the members of it?

Creating an effective ERP steering committee is an essential step for an organization before implementing a new ERP system. When determining the composition of the ERP steering committee, the organization must consider key representatives from different departments. Each member should have an in-depth understanding of the current processes in their respective department and be responsible for driving change management strategies within their domain of expertise. At a minimum, the ERP steering committee should consist of five members, with representation from the finance, IT, and human resources departments.

What Is an ERP Steering Committee?

An ERP steering committee is a group of individuals who are responsible for overseeing the implementation of an ERP system. This group comprises people from different departments and stakeholders within the organization, including business executives, IT leaders, project managers, and end-users. The primary objective of the ERP steering committee is to ensure the successful planning, execution, and management of the ERP implementation project.

How to Determine an ERP Steering Committee?

Establishing an ERP steering committee requires careful consideration of specific criteria. The size and composition of the committee depend on the company's size, complexity of business processes, and project scope. Generally, the committee consists of key stakeholders, including business owners or executive sponsors, IT leaders, subject matter experts (SME), project managers, and end-users. The committee should have a designated leader who has experience in project management and leadership skills.

Importance of an ERP Steering Committee

The ERP steering committee plays a vital role in ensuring the successful implementation of an ERP system. As businesses continue to scale and grow, the importance of implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system becomes crucial. The process of implementing an ERP system can be complex and challenging, hence the need for an ERP steering committee. The ERP steering committee comprises individuals who are responsible for overseeing the implementation of the ERP system. The success of the ERP implementation project heavily depends on this committee, hence the need for members with specific traits.

So, what are the traits of a successful member of the ERP steering committee? Let's dive in and find out.

1. Good understanding of the business processes

A successful member of the ERP steering committee must have a good understanding of the business processes. This means being familiar with the workflow, pain points, and operational needs of the company. With this understanding, the committee can ensure that the ERP system being implemented meets the specific needs of the business.

2. Strong project management skills

ERP implementation projects can be complex and challenging. Therefore, a successful member of the ERP steering committee must possess strong project management skills. This includes the ability to plan and execute projects, manage resources, and monitor progress to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

3. Excellent communication skills

Communication is key in any successful project. This is particularly true for an ERP implementation project where different departments and stakeholders are involved. A successful member of the ERP steering committee must have excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with all stakeholders and ensure they are up-to-date on the project's progress.

4. Technical expertise

An ERP implementation project is a technical process that involves data analysis, software configuration, and customization. A successful member of the ERP steering committee must have technical expertise to ensure that the ERP system is implemented correctly with minimal disruptions to the business operations.

5. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

ERP implementation projects can present unforeseen challenges. A successful member of the ERP steering committee must possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify emerging issues and present practical solutions to resolve them promptly.

6. Leadership skills

The ERP steering committee is responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of the ERP system. Therefore, a successful member of the committee must have strong leadership skills, such as the ability to motivate, inspire and guide others towards the project's objectives.

Hence, members of the ERP steering committee must possess the traits discussed above to ensure the successful planning, execution, and management of an ERP implementation project. Without these traits, the success of the project could be jeopardized, leading to delays or failure. Therefore, organizations must carefully select members who have the necessary expertise and experience to steer the project to success.