Scope of Work
ERP Selection and Implementation
Project Outcome
Brick manufacturer uses comprehensive education and training program for successful ERP implementation initiative
Hanson Brick
Business Challenge
Hanson Brick, a division of Hanson Building Products, is North America’s largest brick manufacturer, employing approximately 1,200 people with plants in Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Ontario, and Quebec. Over time, Hanson Brick had acquired a number of companies, some with no business systems in place, and others operating with outdated systems. Hanson Brick wanted to establish consistent operations throughout their locations prior to selecting an ERP system and provider. Management recognized that education and training would be critical components of the software implementation process for establishing a shared understanding of the ERP’s capabilities and vision for their system, as well as for enabling broad-based participation in the development of new business practices to augment application development.
Conigent Solution
Conigent offers a complete suite of training services from one-on-one mentoring to full curriculum development and classroom training programs. Hanson Brick retained Conigent to provide ERP education and training to management, the project team, and all users. In the initial phase, Conigent worked closely with Hanson Brick project leaders to develop an overall education package, including course content, classroom instruction, and on-site training. Conigent designed and introduced an initial ERP course that used a generic team approach in a non-software specific format. The first wave of students included management from throughout the company and members of the project team.
Conigent’s training plan enabled the Hanson Brick team to begin designing their own specific ERP business processes by conducting team exercises and group discussions in the classroom, focused on basic ERP principles. As new business practices were defined and the ERP system developed, training was expanded to include all system users. Every Hanson user was required to attend the general ERP class before advancing to training sessions specific to the provider’s ERP software. Subsequent hands-on computer training enabled users to become familiar with their provider’s specific system operations.
Conigent’s education and training deliverables included:
- Course material and instruction for general ERP classes. These courses provided an effective method of bringing basic understanding of ERP to management, project team members, and users.
- Customized individual training on specific ERP modules, with site management indicating what courses users should receive.
- Conducting quality adult education. Users were exposed to a combination of lectures, discussions, exercises, and hands-on computer training.
Client Benefits
Hanson Brick fully committed to the training effort, and worked with Conigent to introduce the new ERP system across four regions in two countries on time. This successful initiative completely integrated the company by driving the effective development and adoption of a single system governed by consistent practices.
Benefits of the Conigent solution included:
- Training did not affect business operations. Training schedules were planned to include multiple sessions so work would not be interrupted and operations would continue unabated.
- Complete, detailed documentation. With access to the solution design decisions, Conigent developed and prepared all documentation and user guides.
- Original project team still intact. The original project team has been recognized for adding value to the company. Project team member training and development continues as Conigent introduces additional personal development and skill enhancement courses.
