Agile for ERP Projects Training Course

Agile for ERP Projects Training Course

Introduction

The successful implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a complex, high-stakes endeavor that traditionally suffers from lengthy timelines and high failure rates using rigid Waterfall methodologies. This course introduces the Agile for ERP paradigm, a transformative approach leveraging iterative development and continuous feedback to navigate the inherent complexity of digital transformation projects. By applying core Agile principles, organizations can achieve a paradigm shift from monolithic, high-risk deployments to flexible, value-driven rollouts, significantly improving time-to-value and stakeholder engagement.

Agile for ERP Projects Training Course is designed to equip project teams and business leaders with the practical techniques and Agile mindset necessary to steer large-scale ERP implementations. Participants will master frameworks like Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and Scrum adapted for the unique challenges of ERP, such as data migration, integration, and organizational change management. The focus is on creating cross-functional teams and establishing transparency to deliver minimal viable products (MVPs) incrementally, ensuring the final system is aligned with evolving business needs and maximizes business agility.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

1. Master Agile ERP Implementation best practices and principles.
2. Apply Scrum for ERP to structure and manage iterative delivery cycles.
3. Define, prioritize, and manage the ERP Product Backlog using User Stories and Epics.
4. Navigate complex Organizational Change Management (OCM) using Agile techniques.
5. Establish effective Continuous Integration and Testing pipelines within the ERP landscape.
6. Lead and coach Cross-Functional ERP Teams and foster a servant-leader mindset.
7. Integrate Agile Governance and metrics for enhanced project Transparency and control.
8. Mitigate ERP Project Risk through frequent inspection and adaptation in Sprints.
9. Successfully manage Legacy System Integration and Data Migration in an Agile context.
10. Facilitate Stakeholder Collaboration and early end-user feedback for improved User Adoption.
11. Tailor and scale Agile frameworks for Large-Scale ERP Deployments.
12. Calculate and demonstrate rapid Time-to-Value (TTV) through incremental feature delivery.
13. Drive Business Agility by linking ERP outcomes directly to corporate Strategic Objectives.

Target Audience

1. ERP Program/Project Managers.
2. Product Owners/Business Analysts.
3. Scrum Masters/Agile Coaches.
4. Key Business Stakeholders
5. IT/Development Team Leads.
6. Change Management & Training Specialists.
7. Executive Sponsors/Steering Committee Members.
8. ERP Consultants.

Course Modules

Module 1: Agile Foundation for ERP Complexity

• Agile Mindset and Traditional Waterfall in Digital Transformation.
• The Agile Manifesto values and principles applied to Enterprise Systems.
• Understanding the ERP Implementation Failure statistics and Agile as a solution.
• Case Study: Transitioning a manufacturing firm's SAP S/4HANA project from Waterfall to Scrum-hybrid.
• The Hybrid ERP Methodology.

Module 2: Structuring the Agile ERP Project

• Defining Product Vision and creating a clear ERP Roadmap.
• Techniques for creating and managing the Prioritized Product Backlog
• Decomposing large ERP requirements into Epics, Features, and User Stories.
• Case Study: Creating a global CPG company’s initial Oracle Cloud ERP backlog for Financials and Procurement.
• Defining the Definition of Done (DoD) for configuration, customization, and integration.

Module 3: Scrum and Kanban for ERP Sprints

• Implementing Scrum Roles in an ERP context.
• Executing Sprint Planning, Daily Scrums, Sprint Review, and Retrospective ceremonies.
• Visualizing ERP workflow and limiting Work in Progress using a Kanban Board.
• Case Study: Managing a two-week sprint for configuring the Sales & Distribution module in a new ERP system, including unit testing.
• Measuring and improving team Velocity and throughput in configuration/development.

Module 4: Scaled Agile for Large-Scale ERP

• Introduction to Scaled Agile Framework and Large-Scale Scrum for multi-team ERP programs.
• Agile Release Train concept applied to concurrent ERP functional module delivery.
• Conducting Program Increment (PI) Planning for cross-module dependencies
• Case Study: Coordinating four cross-functional teams delivering Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing modules simultaneously using a Scaled Agile approach.
• Managing Inter-Team Dependencies and risk across the entire ERP landscape.

Module 5: Technical Agility: Integration and Data

• Agile approach to Data Migration Strategy and iterative data cleansing.
• Defining Technical Stories for System Integration
• Implementing Continuous Testing and automated regression testing for ERP configurations.
• Case Study: Iterative migration of customer master data and GL balances in sprints, with continuous validation checks.
• Adopting DevOps practices for rapid ERP configuration and environment deployment.

Module 6: Stakeholder and Change Management

• The Agile role of the Key User/End-User in providing frequent feedback.
• Techniques for proactive Organizational Change Management using Agile principles.
• Fostering Trust and Transparency through regular System Demos and open metrics.
• Case Study: A retail company running a "Demo Day" after every sprint to showcase new features to end-users, boosting adoption.
• Managing Resistance to Change by involving users in solution design from the start.

Module 7: Agile ERP Governance and Metrics

• Measuring Business Value and Return on Investment (ROI) incrementally.
• Key Agile Metrics for ERP.
• Adaptive Budgeting and Forecasting in an Agile ERP environment.
• Case Study: Using a Value Stream Map to identify and eliminate waste in the existing procurement process before configuring the new ERP.
• Reporting to the Steering Committee using Agile, value-driven progress updates.

Module 8: Optimizing and Sustaining Agility

• The Sprint Retrospective as a tool for Continuous Process Improvement.
• Building an internal Agile Center of Excellence for ERP projects.
• Strategies for transitioning from Implementation to Operations/Support
• Case Study: A quarterly "Agile Health Check" and process refinement based on team and stakeholder feedback post-go-live.
• Sustaining the Agile Culture and mindset long after the core implementation.

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

• Interactive lectures and presentations.
• Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
• Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
• Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
• Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
• Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
• Expert-led Q&A sessions.
• Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.