The ERP Organizational Change Journal

Effective ERP Communication Strategies for Business-IT Alignment

Episode Overview – ERP Communication Strategies

In this episode, we dive into “Effective ERP Communication Strategies for Business-IT Alignment.” We explore the essential tactics and strategies to bridge the gap between IT and business teams, ensuring successful ERP implementations and organizational change. Our discussion will benefit IT professionals, business leaders, and anyone involved in ERP projects seeking to enhance collaboration and drive project success. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of ERP integration or aiming to foster a more cohesive working environment, this episode is packed with insights to guide you.

Meet the Guest – Strategic ERP Transformation

Chris Fenning

Chris Fenning

Author | Advisor | On a mission to help IT and business teams communicate better.

Joining us today is Chris Fenning, an expert in simplifying complex communications between technical and business teams.

Chris is an award-winning author, sought-after speaker, and university guest lecturer based in Limburg, Netherlands. With over 15 years of experience, he has mastered the art of making IT and business communication less painful across various industries and countries.

Chris’s mission to help technical and business teams communicate clearly has transformed the way organizations operate, making him the perfect guest to discuss today’s topic. 

Connect With Chris

Meet the Host

Dr. Jack G. Nestell

Dr. Jack G. Nestell

Founding Partner | Nestell & Associates

Dr. Jack G. Nestell is a highly accomplished IT and ERP business advisor, author, and speaker with over 30 years of experience in leadership and implementation of ERP systems across various industries. He is the founding partner of Nestell & Associates, a management and strategy firm that specializes in organizational change, readiness, and ERP implementation. Dr. Nestell is also an accomplished academic researcher who has contributed to ERP research. With his practical expertise and academic knowledge, he provides innovative and proven solutions for his clients.

Find out more at nestellassociates.com

Key Discussion Points: ERP Communication Strategies

04:56  Segment 1: Bridging IT-Business Communication Gaps

  1. Chris, can you explain why communication between IT and business teams is often challenging and what the core issues are?
  2. What are some common misconceptions IT professionals have about business teams, and vice versa?
  3. How do you assess the extent of the gap, or can you? How can organizations assess the current state of communication between their IT and business teams?
  4. Based on your experience, what’s the first step towards improving this communication?

12:35  Segment 2: Effective Communication for Technical Collaboration

Switch from recognizing the problem or the gap to effective communication…

  1. In your book “The First Minute,” you talk about starting conversations that get results. Can you share a key technique from this book that IT and business teams can apply?
  2. How important is the role of concise email communication, as outlined in “Effective Emails,” in bridging the IT business gap?
  3. Based on another of your books, “39 Ways to Make Training Stick,” can you suggest ways to ensure that communication training for technical teams has a lasting impact?
  4. Because I enjoy learning from real-world experiences, could you give an example of a communication breakdown you’ve helped resolve and the strategies used?

26:00  Segment 3: Maximizing Business Value Through Communication

  1. How can IT and business teams use communication to support mergers and acquisitions, an area of expertise for Nestell & Associates?
  2. What role does effective communication play in managing organizational change, especially in the context of ERP implementations?
  3. How can private equity firms leverage improved IT-business communication to maximize investment value in their portfolio companies?
  4. Can you share insights on how to maintain this improved communication as organizations evolve and grow?

40:25  Golden Nugget Take-a-Way

Ready to transform your organization's communication strategies and ensure successful change management?

Nestell & Associates specializes in bridging the gap between IT and business teams, facilitating seamless ERP implementations and organizational transformations. Don’t let communication challenges hold your projects back. Contact us today to discover how we can tailor our expertise to your unique needs, driving your business forward with effective ERP communication strategies.

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About Nestell & Associates

Where People, Processes, and Technology Align

Nestell & Associates specializes in providing M&A ERP and IT consulting services for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. We offer a range of vendor-neutral services to support all stages of the investment cycle.

Moreover, we know how to effectively minimize or eliminate the issues you experience during M&A. With Private Equity Technology Solutions as 100% of our business, we bring a unique approach to ERP that other firms can’t compete with.