28 Jan Leveraging the ADKAR Model for Change Management in P21 ERP Digital Transformations
Scaled Solutions Group (SSG) specializes in implementing Epicor Prophet 21 (P21) and other ERP systems with a structured approach that minimizes disruption and maximizes adoption. One of the most effective frameworks for driving successful digital transformations is Prosci’s ADKAR Model—a people-focused change management methodology that ensures employees and stakeholders embrace and sustain new technologies.
By aligning SSG’s expertise in ERP implementation with the ADKAR Model, organizations can achieve smoother digital transitions, increased user adoption, and long-term operational efficiency. Below, we explore how SSG can leverage ADKAR to drive change management in digital transformations.
Understanding the ADKAR Model
ADKAR is an acronym that represents the five key stages of successful change management:
- Awareness – Understanding the need for change.
- Desire – Creating a willingness to support and engage in the change.
- Knowledge – Providing the necessary training and resources to enable adoption.
- Ability – Ensuring employees can effectively use the new system.
- Reinforcement – Sustaining the change to prevent backsliding.
Each phase addresses critical human factors that influence digital transformation success.
How Scaled Solutions Group Applies ADKAR for ERP & Digital Transformation Success
1. Awareness: Communicating the Need for Change
Goal: Help employees and stakeholders understand why the digital transformation is necessary.
SSG Approach:
✔️ Conduct executive briefings and stakeholder meetings to highlight business challenges and opportunities.
✔️ Develop communication plans tailored for different teams, emphasizing the benefits of ERP upgrades, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
✔️ Use real-world case studies to showcase how P21 implementation enhances productivity, inventory management, and profitability.
✔️ Identify and address employee concerns before resistance develops.
Example: SSG can organize lunch-and-learn sessions where leadership discusses how P21 improves supply chain efficiency and financial reporting.
2. Desire: Building Employee Engagement & Buy-in
Goal: Ensure employees are motivated to support and adopt the new system.
SSG Approach:
✔️ Identify Change Champions within the organization who advocate for the transformation.
✔️ Organize interactive workshops and “Voice of the Employee” sessions to encourage user participation.
✔️ Align transformation benefits with employee incentives (e.g., reducing manual data entry, improving job efficiency, and creating growth opportunities).
✔️ Address resistance with open forums and feedback loops.
Example: SSG can develop role-specific benefit guides (e.g., how a new ERP system helps warehouse teams with real-time inventory tracking).
3. Knowledge: Providing Training & Support
Goal: Equip employees with the skills and knowledge to effectively use the new system.
SSG Approach:
✔️ Develop customized Epicor Prophet 21 training programs for different user roles (finance, operations, supply chain, sales, etc.).
✔️ Use hands-on learning labs and real-time system simulations.
✔️ Offer multi-tiered training formats, including videos, webinars, and interactive Q&A sessions.
✔️ Create knowledge repositories, FAQs, and user manuals accessible anytime.
Example: SSG can implement an on-demand e-learning portal where employees can access step-by-step guides and best practices.
4. Ability: Enabling Hands-On Execution
Goal: Ensure employees can confidently apply their training to real work scenarios.
SSG Approach:
✔️ Implement sandbox environments where users can practice in a safe, risk-free setting before going live.
✔️ Assign super users to provide on-the-job coaching and troubleshooting.
✔️ Develop scenario-based exercises that mirror real workflows (e.g., processing a purchase order in P21).
✔️ Provide post-go-live support desks for quick resolutions.
Example: SSG can set up a dedicated help desk for the first 90 days post-implementation to support employees as they transition.
5. Reinforcement: Sustaining Long-Term Adoption
Goal: Embed the change into daily operations and prevent employees from reverting to old habits.
SSG Approach:
✔️ Conduct regular follow-ups and audits to measure user adoption and system performance.
✔️ Recognize and reward top performers and change advocates.
✔️ Gather continuous feedback to fine-tune workflows and system configurations.
✔️ Implement refresher training programs to keep skills up-to-date.
Example: SSG can conduct quarterly system check-ins to ensure the ERP is optimizing operations and employees remain engaged.
Why Use ADKAR for Digital Transformations?
✅ Ensures employee buy-in for ERP migrations and system upgrades.
✅ Reduces project risks by addressing resistance before go-live.
✅ Accelerates adoption by providing structured training and hands-on learning.
✅ Improves ROI by ensuring long-term success of the transformation.
By embedding ADKAR into Epicor Prophet 21 implementations, Scaled Solutions Group can help organizations reduce implementation failures, increase adoption rates, and drive operational efficiency.
Final Thoughts: Making Digital Transformation Seamless with SSG & ADKAR
Digital transformations, especially ERP migrations and upgrades, succeed when people, processes, and technology align. By leveraging the ADKAR Model, Scaled Solutions Group ensures that companies experience minimal disruption, faster adoption, and long-term success.
Looking to drive a seamless ERP transformation? Contact Scaled Solutions Group today to discuss how we can guide your organization through change with structured change management expertise. Scaled Solutions Group at (866) 957-8419 or info@scaledsolutionsgroup.com or visit www.Get-Scaled.com.