The Unsung Hero of ERP Projects: The Project Champion

Implementing an ERP system is no small feat. It's a complex, high-stakes endeavor that impacts nearly every corner of a business. While most companies focus on selecting the right software and building a capable project team, one crucial role is often overlooked—the ERP project champion.

So, who is this champion, and why are they essential to success?

What Is an ERP Project Champion?

An ERP project champion is the internal advocate and driving force behind the ERP initiative. Unlike a project manager, who focuses on timelines, tasks, and deliverables, the champion plays a more strategic and cultural role. They promote the vision, rally stakeholders, and ensure the project stays aligned with business objectives.

Think of them as the glue that holds the effort together—not just during implementation but also during planning and post-go-live optimization.

Why the Role Matters

ERP implementations aren’t just IT projects—they're business transformations. They challenge existing processes, demand cross-functional cooperation, and require people to embrace change. Without a strong champion:

• Resistance to change can stall momentum.

• Departmental silos can slow progress.

• Strategic goals can get lost in day-to-day firefighting.

The project champion helps navigate these challenges by keeping the vision alive and clearing the path for the project team.

Key Responsibilities

Here’s what a great ERP project champion does:

• Promotes the Project Across the Organization: They articulate the "why" behind the ERP initiative and rally people around the benefits.

• Secures Executive and Departmental Buy-In: From C-suite to shop floor, the champion ensures stakeholders are aligned and engaged.

• Removes Roadblocks: When tough decisions or escalations arise, the champion steps in to support the project manager.

• Keeps the Focus on Business Goals: They ensure the implementation doesn’t become a technical exercise disconnected from business value.

• Drives Adoption: Post-go-live, they continue advocating for usage, improvements, and user support.

What Makes a Great Champion?

Not just anyone can step into this role. The ideal ERP champion is:

• Influential: Respected across departments and capable of influencing both leadership and frontline employees.

• Business-Savvy: Understands how the organization operates and how ERP will enhance it.

• Committed: Actively involved throughout the project—not just a figurehead.

• Communicative: Clearly conveys goals, expectations, and updates.

Final Thoughts

ERP success isn't just about technology—it’s about people. Among all the roles, the project champion quietly makes or breaks the outcome.

When planning an ERP project, it's crucial not only to assemble a team but also to identify a champion. Empower this person, listen to their insights, and allow them to spearhead the initiative. This approach will help your project gain the momentum necessary for success. If you're struggling to find the right person within your organization, our team of independent software consultants can assist you throughout your ERP implementation journey. Contact us to explore how we can integrate into your implementation team.

Roger Pujol, CPIM, CSCP, the founder of Champion Business Solutions, LLC, is a consultant specializing in ERP Business software. He shares insights and experiences on assisting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to enhance their operations.

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