Implementing Building Materials Software: The Human Factor

Why Your Team's Buy-in Matters 

Think about the people who will be using your software day in and day out. If they find the system difficult or frustrating, your new system won't deliver the results you expect. It's like buying a top-of-the-line saw nobody knows how to use – it's just going to sit collecting dust. 

Just ask Setra Wood Products. Before implementing their new Intact iQ ERP system, their employees were struggling with heavy workloads that affected their well-being. By putting their team first, they introduced their system in phases. They started with stock management and then moved to accounting. This approach turned a big change into smaller, manageable steps. 

The Hidden Cost of Resistance 

When you overlook your end users' needs, resistance is inevitable. Your team might cling to old, familiar methods – even if they're inefficient – simply because they're comfortable. Or if people don't feel sure about how to use the new system properly, they might find their own ways to get work done - which usually ends up taking more time and effort.  

In his recent HBS Dealer article 'What's Next for Tech in the LBM Industry', Neil Agarwal makes a clear point: without genuine buy-in from team members at all levels, even the best technology changes will fail. 

This resistance often establishes in subtle ways. Your team may keep using spreadsheets for tasks that should be automated. They might also avoid new features that could make their work easier. The result? You're paying for powerful building materials or lumber ERP software that's only being used at a fraction of its potential. 

Building a Path to Success 

How can you make the switch to new building materials supply software easy? And how do you get your team excited about the new ERP system for your building materials or lumber business? 

1. Start with Your Champions 

• Identify influential team members across different departments who can help drive the change. These internal champions can help bridge the gap between management's vision and day-to-day operations. As Agarwal emphasizes, "You can only do so much from up top. Find people in different departments who can help champion the change you want to effect." 
  
  

2. Make It Easy to Use - Look for ERP features that put your team first:

• Individually tailored screens that give each user exactly what they need 
• Rapid data entry forms to speed up daily tasks 
• Personalized dashboards for at-a-glance insights
•  Simple tools that let your system administrator make changes without relying on IT or your vendor 

When systems are truly user-friendly, initial resistance often turns into enthusiastic adoption. This happens naturally as your team discovers how new features that make their daily tasks easier and more efficient, for example, learning short cut keys. 

3. Keep Everything Connected

Your team shouldn't have to juggle multiple systems or hunt for information. A centralized database ensures everyone has access to accurate, up-to-date information. This not only makes their jobs easier but also improves communication across departments. 

An ERP system with an open REST API will easily connect with your team's preferred business tools i.e. ecommerce platform, sales reps apps or delivery driver app, creating a truly seamless experience. When everything works as one system, your team gets more done with less hassle, and your customers get better service. 

Today's lumber and building materials industry demands modern solutions. Your team needs technology that simplifies their work, not complicates it. When they have instant access to accurate information, they can focus on what really matters: providing exceptional service to your customers. 

4. Plan for Growth

Choose a system that can grow with your business. Modern ERP systems like Intact iQ offer built-in flexibility that makes it easy to refine processes as your needs change, without vendor intervention. Your system administrators can modify screens, automate processes, adjust dashboards, and implement new business rules without costly development work or relying on your vendor. This means improvements can be made quickly based on your team's real-world experience. 

Also look for proven solutions that have a track record of helping employees work more efficiently and effectively – and ensure your vendor provides comprehensive post-launch support to help your team master your system and adapt it as your business evolves. 

Practical Steps for Success: Training, Support, and Continuous Improvement 

Making the Transition Smooth 

A successful implementation doesn't happen by chance. Here are key strategies to ensure success:

• Partner with Your Vendor - Choose a vendor who truly cares about your team's success, not just selling you software. They should be there every step of the way - helping your team build confidence, providing hands-on training, and offering ongoing support. A good vendor won't disappear after go-live but will check in regularly to help you get the most from your system. Think of them as part of your extended team, dedicated to supporting you and committed to helping your people succeed.
• Employ a Phased Approach - Take a page from Setra's playbook. They implemented their system in stages, starting with stock management before moving to accounts. This approach helps prevent overwhelming your team and allows them to build confidence with each new feature. 
• Maintain Open Communication and Human Connection – Regular check-ins with your team are vital, and they work best face-to-face. Set up feedback sessions to discuss what's working well and what needs improvement, remembering that silence doesn't always mean satisfaction.  

These personal interactions help maintain team connections and ensure everyone feels supported through the change. When people feel heard and valued, they're more likely to embrace the system and help make it better for everyone.  

Establish a regular process for collecting and implementing user suggestions. This ongoing feedback loop ensures your system evolves with your team's needs rather than stagnating with outdated processes. After all, the best technology should enhance, not replace, the human element of your business. 

The Training Factor  

Getting your team trained properly isn't just about teaching them which buttons to click. It's about empowering them to make the most of your investment. Here's how to approach training effectively: 

• Start with Your System Champions - Identify and train your system administrators early. These key team members will become your internal experts and trainers so they can confidently support and guide others once you go live. Make sure they have dedicated time to learn the system thoroughly – this isn't something that can be squeezed in between their regular tasks. 
• Take a Department-by-Department Approach- Different departments have different needs. Make sure relevant team members are available for training specific to their module or department. This focused approach builds confidence and expertise where it matters most, leading to faster adoption and better results. 
• Don't Rush the Process - As Simon McCarthy, an Intact iQ ERP Systems Consultant with years of implementation experience, emphasizes: "Learning a new system takes time." Give your team the space to get comfortable with new processes. Don't expect everyone to master everything immediately. 
• Utilize Available Resources - Take advantage of training resources provided by your vendor. Some modern ERP systems offer comprehensive training academies and knowledge hubs that can help give your team a broader view of the system's capabilities. These resources can often spark ideas for improving current business practices. 

Learning from Success Stories 

Setra's experience offers valuable lessons. They took a phased approach to implementation, starting with stock management before moving to more complex features. This careful planning, combined with proper support, helped ease their team's natural nervousness about change. 

The results speak for themselves. With their new system, Setra improved not just efficiency but also workplace satisfaction. (They're not alone - 97% of customers agree their Intact software is supporting their original ambition to have a platform for growth). Setra can now track timber throughout their supply chain, handle different units of measure with ease, and provide better customer service – all because they took the time to ensure their team was comfortable with the new technology. 

Remember, the first few months after go-live are just the beginning. As your team grows more comfortable with the system, they'll discover new possibilities for improvement. Encourage this exploration – it's how you'll get the maximum value from your investment. 

The Bottom Line

As the lumber and building materials industry continues to evolve, your ERP system should help your team work smarter, not harder. By putting your people first in the selection and implementation process, you're not just investing in software – you're investing in your company's future success. 

Remember: your team's success with the new system is your success. When they're empowered with the right tools and support, they'll drive your business forward in ways you never imagined. As you evaluate your options, keep asking yourself: "How will this make my team's jobs easier?" The answer to that question is your key to implementation success. 

Ready to put your team first? See how Intact's building materials software can transform your business while keeping your people at the heart of the change. Book a personalized demo today and discover why 97% of our customers say Intact supports their growth ambitions.