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