Engen has adopted a refreshing implementation approach for its SAP Human Resources (SAP-HR) system. The project will first focus on Engen`s current business processes and resources, and ensure they are aligned to embrace the new technology. Equally significant is the endorsement of the approach by executive management.
According to Comparex Africa, people and processes should be at the heart of the project with less emphasis on the technology. Comparex, a leading integrator of technology solutions and Engen`s partner in this SAP-HR solution, says Engen`s approach represents a progressive break away from traditional implementations in SA.
"The success of any implementation has less to do with the technology and more to do with how it is deployed," says Allan Whatley, Comparex Western Cape`s head of Solution Delivery. "Apart from a major technical shift, new technology also represents a significant change in business processes, culture and learning. It is therefore critical that a company`s resources are ready to embrace this change. To this end, Comparex Africa has developed the Enterprise Resource Alignment (ERA) approach."
Over the past six months, Engen and Comparex`s CDE division have worked together to ensure that Engen`s business is geared to benefit from the SAP-HR solution. This meant involving senior management in the project decision-making process and extensive training of the project team. Only once the business is ready will the implementation of the technology commence.
While employing this approach meant that the project timeline was extended, Engen agreed. According to Barry Housdon, general manager of Engen`s Human Capital division, Comparex`s methodology was a key differentiator in the bid process. "We believe the inclusive approach will lead to buy-in at a user and senior management level which will be critical to the success of the project."
According to Housdon, having ERA at the centre of the process will result in significant benefits. "We expect this process to result in a faster uptake of the technology and significantly reduce productivity dips typically associated with the introduction of new systems."
"In addition, we expect to get all the benefits associated with new technology including the integration of the human capital systems with those of the rest of the company and bringing first level support and maintenance skills in-house, reducing total cost of ownership."
Housdon says the expected savings achieved through the new solution will cover the investment within three to four years and in addition will lead to ongoing cost savings for the company.
"Engen`s endorsement of the ERA approach reflects a progressive maturity that is lacking in the broader corporate world," says Whatley. "Many corporate technology implementations have gone pear-shaped for two reasons: too much emphasis on the technology and not enough executive involvement."
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