Jumbo

Case Jumbo: What is the best way to work in the new ERP solution?

Timely stocking up over 700 supermarkets in the Netherlands and Belgium is no mean logistical feat – in particular when using logistical management systems that are partly out of date and not aligned in a helpful way. Badly wanting to improve the situation, Jumbo implemented a fully new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, replacing all its current stand-alone systems and applications. The company took the opportunity to scrutinize all its logistical processes, focusing on the key question of “given the new solution, what is the best way of working?”

Jumbo implemented the new ERP system in stages, involving numerous sub-projects as well as people having to work with both the old and new systems for stretches of time. The ensuing long journey towards the targeted situation made it difficult for Jumbo to keep track of what was going on where. Combining support and a tight change and communications strategy for the transition programme and the individual sub-projects was crucial for success.

Strategy

Involve helped Jumbo to keep track of and communicate about progress across the company as well as illuminate the progress of a few specific projects. To that end, we developed a compelling change story that we adapted in line with the program’s various stages, kept crucial stakeholders at all organizational levels updated, involving them at relevant moments in time.

Our methods include developing messaging for a specific project with those involved and together searching for the best ways to involve colleagues. Other options are to assess a change’s impact on specific groups of colleagues and subsequently design a strategy relating to the behaviour they are expected to adop.

Plus, we design ways in which programmes can show what they are about as well as their progress to update the whole organisation about important milestones timely. This helps people to gain an understanding of what is going on as well as upcoming changes and implementations of new applications, paving the way for them.