Implementing a brand new ERP means a lot of changes within an organization. The first change is the software the company is using. This will affect the people that use the ERP intensively and they are probably worried about the project and how it will affect their daily task.

But this is not the only change that the company will face. While changing the ERP, you will probably change some processes, or you could even change who is responsible for doing certain tasks. Usually those changes are not easy to make. You will have to take some actions in order to reassure people, help them during the change process, and ensure that they don't boycott the project.

For example, a few years ago we worked on an implementation project. The company had an employee whose major task was to register all the sales invoices in the system. With the implementation of Dynamics NAV, it was decided that the warehouse staff were going to register the invoice while registering the shipment. Now, that particular employee will probably feel that he was going to lose his job, so he may start to boycott the project instead of helping the warehouse staff with their new task.

The first thing you need to do to face the change in management, is to identify all the stakeholders of the project. After that, you need to analyze their needs and their expectations from the project. You will also have to determine whether they support the project or not, and what actions you can take to change their position.

Usually communication is the easier way to face changes. Keep all the stakeholders informed on what the project is all about, why the company has decided to implement Dynamics NAV, how will it affect them, and how the project is advancing.

If communication is not enough for some stakeholders, you will need to take other actions. Getting them involved is usually a good way to change their vision on the project. Think carefully about how you are going to handle all those changes, since people are the most valuable asset you have to make the project a success.