Who Should Own The ERP System? Hint: It's Not IT.

Dept

Sample Responsibilities

IT

1. Obtains release notes for bug fixes, patches, and upgrades; explains features/functionality to the business
2. Configures settings and security based on business decisions
3. Recreates any issues reported and works with vendor on issues, bugs, custom code
4. Creates and maintains testing documents (test plans and scripts) and performs unit, integration, and system testing
5. Loads tested code into production environment – change management

Business

Departments “own” their respective modules (e.g., finance, human resources, operations), which includes the internal control system

1. Decides which features/functionality to use
2. Creates and maintains master data records
3. Creates end-user documentation (workflows and procedures), and updates documentation when code is updated
   • If you’re using the system out-of-the-box and following the vendor’s best practices, the vendor should be able to give you standard end-user documentation for the basic workflows, procedures, and training materials. Then the business just needs to customize the standard documentation, and then create any outstanding end-user documentation.
4. Creates and maintains user acceptance testing (UAT) documents, and performs user acceptance testing
5. Reports issues to IT

Training

1. Maintains training documents, videos, and cheat sheets per business, and updates documentation when code is updated
2. Offers ongoing training classes (for new employees, refreshers)

If there isn’t a separate training department, then this responsibility reverts to the business.