These are the similarities between a software implementation and running a marathon

At Bluace, we don’t like to beat around the bush. Implementing new ERP software in your organization doesn’t happen on its own. In the beginning, everyone is very enthusiastic, but a lot needs to happen for it to succeed. The end goal is often ambitious and still so far away that continuous motivation is difficult. It is actually comparable to training for a marathon. The organization has to train to reach the end goal. We would be happy to explain to you the similarities between a software implementation and a marathon.

Determine the end goal and the minimum viable product

When implementing new ERP software for installation companies, it is essential to consider the end goal in advance carefully. For example, consider the minimum viable product. Do you need to run the marathon in under 4 hours, or is simply finishing sufficient, and does the finishing time not matter? Having clear (sub)objectives is essential to achieving the end goal. In doing so, you must, above all, be realistic about actually achieving them.

Make a good plan for your daily activities

Whether you are dealing with an ERP implementation or not, daily work continues. There are always things that are more fun and more important than the ERP implementation. Am I going to that party and staying up late, meaning I have to skip marathon training? Certainly, do not put off daily work; make a good plan. Discipline is important here—another similarity between a software implementation and the marathon.

How do you deal with setbacks?

It would, of course, be fantastic if an ERP implementation ran exactly according to plan, but in practice, that is often not the case. To ensure you are affected as little as possible by these setbacks, it is wise to consider these “injuries” in advance so that the end goal is not compromised. How will you handle it if essential employees are absent? What needs to happen if scope changes occur? Will you shift gears, or will we still aim for the same impressive performance? The date of the marathon is fixed. Just like with a marathon, we advise keeping the go-live date and forgoing non-essentials.