Implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is not just a technology project. It is a people project. Even the best ERP system will fail if users do not adopt it effectively. For busy teams juggling day-to-day operations, change management often feels like an afterthought. But without a structured approach, you risk delays, frustration and missed ROI.
This blog provides a practical, people-centric checklist for adopting Business Central without slowing the business. It covers training, communication and go-live support – the three pillars of successful change management.
Why change management matters
ERP implementations fail more often because of people than technology. According to Gartner, organisations that invest in structured change management improve adoption rates by up to 70% and reduce project risk significantly. For SMBs, this means faster time to value and less disruption to operations.
Business Central is designed to simplify processes, but it introduces new ways of working. If employees do not understand the benefits or feel supported, resistance will grow. A clear plan for training, communication and go-live support ensures confidence and reduces stress during transition.
Training: make it role-based and practical
Generic training sessions rarely work. Users need guidance tailored to their roles and daily tasks. Business Central offers intuitive interfaces, but features vary by function. Best practice is to design training around real scenarios, not just system navigation.
- Finance teams should learn how to post journals, manage approvals and run the month-end close.
- Sales teams need to understand order entry, pricing and customer history.
- Operations teams should focus on inventory, purchasing and planning parameters.
Use a mix of formats – short videos, live sessions, and quick-reference guides. Keep sessions interactive and allow time for questions. Training should start early and continue after go-live to reinforce learning.
Communication: explain the why, not just the how
Change management fails when communication is limited to technical updates. Employees need to know why the change is happening and how it benefits them. For example:
- Faster month-end close means less overtime for finance teams.
- Real-time inventory visibility reduces stockouts and improves customer service.
- Automated workflows cut manual tasks and free up time for higher-value work.
Share updates regularly through email, Teams or town halls. Use plain language and avoid jargon. Highlight quick wins and success stories to build momentum. Make sure managers are equipped to answer questions and address concerns promptly.
Go-live support: be present when it matters most
The first weeks after go-live are critical. Even with good training, users will encounter issues. A strong support plan prevents frustration and keeps operations running smoothly.
• Set up a dedicated help channel in Teams for quick questions.
• Assign “floor walkers” or super users who can assist colleagues on-site.
• Monitor system performance and user feedback daily to catch problems early.
Consider a phased rollout if possible. Starting with finance or a single business unit reduces risk and allows lessons learned to inform the next phase.
A people-centric checklist for success
Here’s a simple checklist to guide your change management plan:
• Define clear roles and responsibilities for training and communication.
• Create role-based training materials and schedule sessions before go-live.
• Communicate benefits early and often, using multiple channels.
• Establish a support structure for go-live, including super users and help channels.
• Review adoption metrics and user feedback regularly to drive continuous improvement.
Microsoft recommends embedding change management into the project plan from day one. This ensures resources and timelines account for the human side of ERP adoption.
The payoff: adoption without disruption
By focusing on training, communication and go-live support, SMBs can achieve:
• Higher user confidence and faster adoption.
• Reduced operational disruption during transition.
• Stronger ROI from Business Central through full utilisation.
• A culture that embraces continuous improvement and digital transformation.
As Forrester notes, “Successful ERP projects are as much about people as technology.” For busy teams, a structured, people-first approach makes the difference between a smooth transition and a painful one.
Ready to plan your change management strategy?
If you are preparing for a Business Central implementation, start with this checklist. A few proactive steps today will save weeks of frustration tomorrow – and help your team embrace the change with confidence.