A push from below: how to convince management to move to ERP

This is a question managers and process owners often bring to us. It comes up when people on the ground realize they lack data, or that their data is not accurate enough or fast enough, to improve their performance.

Here are a few steps that will help

Show the problems with the current system

Executives often do not see all the bottlenecks in legacy processes. Prepare a report that shows:

• Manual operations that increase the risk of errors.
• Time lost to duplicate data entry or the lack of integration between systems.
• Lack of transparency and difficulty getting up-to-date data for decision-making.

Example: “Preparing a profit report takes 3 days because data has to be consolidated from different systems. With 1C:ERP, it takes a couple of clicks.”

Explain the benefits of 1C:ERP in business terms

Emphasize how an ERP system affects key metrics:

• Resource savings. Automation reduces manual work. Higher productivity. Employees can spend more time on strategic tasks. Transparency.
• A single database gives a real-time view of the business. Scalability. 1C:ERP adapts easily to change: company growth, new business lines, and so on.

Show examples from other companies

• Executives often look to their peers’ success stories. Find examples of 1C:ERP implementations at companies in your industry and show how it helped them:
• Cut costs. Increase revenue. Shorten production and task lead times.

Example: “Company X in our segment cut its logistics costs by 15% thanks to automation in 1C:ERP.”

Prepare a financial model

One of the key tasks is to show that this is an investment, not an expense.

Calculate:

• Implementation and support costs.
• Payback period.
• Potential savings from process automation.

Example: “The implementation will cost RUB X million, but within Y months automation will generate savings of RUB Z million.”

Show a live example

Executives often find it hard to imagine how everything will work. Arrange a demo of the system. It could be a walkthrough of solutions that fit the company’s needs, with 1C specialists taking part.

Bring in an expert

If your arguments are not enough, bring in an independent expert or systems integrator who can present the benefits of 1C:ERP professionally.

Start small

If a full-scale transition seems too complex, suggest starting with a pilot project, for example automating a single department (accounting or the warehouse). This lets you demonstrate the system’s effectiveness without a large investment.

Most importantly, focus on how implementing 1C:ERP will help the company achieve its goals, whether that means savings, profit growth, or greater transparency.

If you need help or calculations tailored to your company, fill out the contact form and a manager will get back to you!