In the last section, we have seen the problems with the legacy systems and the evolution of integrated software soflutions or ERP systems. But when it comes to inplementiing and ERP system. to implementing the ERP system is a very difficult task. its not a joke to In ttfe-fust section, we have seen the problems with the legacy systems and the evolution of integrated software solutions or ERP systems. But when it comes to implementing and ERP system, it is not an easy t.ask. For it. to work perfectly and to produce the results that it is supposed to produce, the ERP system should have the support and cooperation of all the users. If the system is implemented without the support from all, the chances of failure are very high. This was not the case with isolated inforr:nation systems. In those days, 'each department decided
what system they needed to buy (or make) and went ahead accordingly. But the
,
ERP system is for the entire organization. The system needs the support of all departments and users, in addition to a strong committhent and support from the top management. Getting all the various departments .to agree on a system is one of the most difficult tasks that the ERP.
It is human nature to resist change. When we are talking about implementing an ERP system we are talking about change on a very missive scale. There will be a fear that the system will replace existing jobs, as many functions will be automated. Also, people will be afraid of the amount of training that they would have to undergo and the learning that they would have to do to use the new system. Job profiles will change, job responsibilities will undergo drastic alterations, and people will be forced to develop new skill sets. If these fears are not addressed and alleviated well in advance, then it will be asking for trouble.

It should be worth noting that while the ERP systems eliminate many existing jobs, they create many new ones - ones with more responsibilities and value addition. It is easy to see that the automa!!2!1 of the business processes through technology CIDl- eliminat.e th~ jobs of many employees whose function is to record, control, calculate, analyze, file or prepare reports. But it must be pointed out to the employees that the same automation creates many more opportunities for them because they can get away from the monotonous clerical work and transform themselves i~to highly valued individuals in a new and challenging work environment, using the most modern technology. If the company can succeed in making. jts employees accept this fact and assist them in making the transformation (by givin them training), then the major (and most critical) obstacle in the path of an 'ERP implementation is solved.