Lessons learned from an SAP rollout project

During my experience leading SAP implementation and rollout projects, and working with different cultures, cross-functional teams, and business processes, I learned what I believe is the most challenging aspect of this type of project.

SAP projects are complex because they usually involve all company processes and, consequently, all departments within the organization. This means working with different key users who often have different perspectives and ways of performing the same activities.

One of the most important lessons I learned is that when business processes are not clearly defined, they must be designed during the project itself. This significantly increases the complexity of the implementation and may impact the project’s quality, cost, and schedule.

Before initiating a project from scratch, I usually organize meetings to understand which processes are already implemented within the department. If no formal process exists, I suggest that the area maps and documents it first. This helps everyone better understand the current way of working and the real purpose behind the requirements.

Another important lesson I learned is the importance of asking the right questions. Instead of asking, “What would you like the system to do for you?”, I prefer asking, “Why do you need this functionality?”

This approach helps users think more critically about their needs and allows the project team to better understand the business objective behind the request.

Successful SAP projects depend not only on good technology but also on effective communication, strong governance, and a deep understanding of business processes.