My organization is looking to implement a new ERP system globally, SAP. I have been asked to oversee the project implementation given my role in the company and experience as a PM. My organization has hired an external IT company to implement the change. Their role will be to understand the business demands, functional requirements of the ERP system, and complete successful implementation of the software in a given timeline and budget. SAP is intended to address inventory, project tracking, financial information, and much more. My role will be to manage the external company ensuring they understand the scope and deliver on expectations of the company. This touches on several topics within the chapter including proper PM practices, outsourcing of talent, and implementation of new software to manage project schedules, work breakdown structures, and financial information.

Have you dealt with a similar implementation project and if so, what are a few challenges you had identified or encountered? If not, what are a few challenges you can foresee given the scale of the project described?

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