Help wanted--miracle worker to manage ERP project: finding the right person to manage a technology project is a critical success factor. A new GFOA training course will help governments develop the in-house project management expertise needed to implement sophisticated public sector business applications.

• Author: Koehn, Joe
• Position: Solutions

What qualities does a project manager need to successfully manage an ERP implementation? Who should we select as our project manager? Whether I am teaching GFOA's ERP acquisition and implementation course or working with a member government on a technology needs assessment or system procurement, I know it is only a matter of time before someone asks one or both of these questions. In fact, I can almost predict the exact moment when this discussion will occur.

To find the right person to manage your technology project, start by taking all potential candidates to a local swimming pool or a lake (any deep body of water will do). Ask each person to walk to the other side. Anyone who can successfully walk over the water to the other side is the person you want managing your ERP implementation. If this test fails to produce any miracle workers, this article may prove useful.

Through years of helping state and local governments procure and implement ERP systems, GFOA has identified the most important qualities of the "ideal" ERP project manager. This article describes these qualities and introduces a new GFOA training opportunity in this area.

THE IDEAL PROJECT MANAGER

Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems. It is very helpful if the project manager understands the basics of an ERP implementation--the phases of an implementation, critical success factors, and lessons learned from other jurisdictions. This prevents implementation consultants from performing activities (shortcuts) that may not be in the best interest of the government. The project manager should also understand the organization-wide ramifications of ERR

Organizational Respect. The project manager will become the primary communications vehicle for the project. A large part of the project manager's job is to promote the project throughout the organization and to create buy-in. Having someone who is well respected tends to soften any potential resistance that may occur during the project--especially when trying to standardize business processes across government departments and agencies.

Ability to Manage and Motivate a Team. An ERP implementation team will consist of diverse personnel from across the organization. The project manager's ability to manage such a team through what will, at times, be a very stressful project is a critical success factor.

Business and Technical Expertise. During an ERP implementation, the project manager must resolve complex issues surrounding...