Date: January 15, 2025

Global implementation of Oracle ERP systems to replace legacy systems, streamline operations, and ensure seamless integration with 3rd party interfaced systems

Background

Faced with various legacy systems, the client required a seasoned Oracle ERP expert to deliver a replacement single ERP based on Oracle ERP. The consultant brought global experience to lead this transformation on a three-year contract. During their deployment in Japan, the consultant successfully navigated logistical challenges, including language adaptation and cultural immersion ensuring a smooth transition.

Challenges

• Visa and Work Permit Logistics: The consultant had to travel to Japan on a business visa supported by IIC.
• Cultural and Language Barriers: Adapting to Japanese business culture posed challenges, as stakeholders often lacked familiarity with project demands and corporate alignment. Language differences were a hurdle, with fewer English speakers compared to other regions.
• Legacy System Complexity: The project involved retiring a spaghetti junction of legacy systems and transitioning to a modern, Oracle ERP platform. Integrating the new system across various subsidiaries of the parent enterprise, added layers of technical complexity.
• Business Environment Challenges: Japan’s business culture, while structured, was less digitally advanced than expected. Stakeholders often resisted work-from-home setups and adhered to traditional in-office practices, requiring additional flexibility and resilience from the consultant to maintain project momentum.
• Adapting to Daily Life: Beyond professional challenges, the consultant had to navigate personal adjustments, such as coming to terms with the very structured Japanese way of life (walking one side of the escalator), finding good accommodation at reasonable cost, learning the Tokyo transit system (easier than most city metro/transit systems), and acclimating to the local lifestyle – all in a country they had never visited before.

Our Approach:

Proactive Support: Our account manager has a hands-on approach, maintaining constant communication with the consultant throughout to ensure seamless transition and settling down. They even traveled to Japan to provide on-site support, helping them settle in, address challenges, and successfully adjust to their new role.
Consultant’s Initiative: The consultant’s resilience and adaptability were central to the project’s success. Arriving in Japan with a wealth of international experience but with no prior experience in the country, they navigated the logistical challenge of securing a work permit, while quickly acclimating to the local culture: finding accommodations, mastering Tokyo’s transit systems, and building trust with stakeholders.
Circumventing Language Barriers: To bridge language barriers, job postings were translated to attract local talent, while interviews and responses were conducted in English to ensure effective communication. The consultant also relied on English-speaking colleagues to facilitate seamless cross-cultural discussions during critical project phases. It is not uncommon in Japan to use translator web services to communicate. MS Office has the necessary language support tools.

Results:

• Maintaining Project Momentum: The consultant was instrumental in guiding a global implementation team of over 100 members, spanning multiple service providers in multiple countries. They effectively managed interactions between diverse teams and stakeholders, many of whom were unfamiliar with ERP processes, ensuring alignment and smooth progress. Their ability to adapt and lead within such a vast and complex team structure was key to maintaining momentum on this critical three-year project.
• Seamless Transition from Legacy Systems: The consultant was instrumental in guiding a global implementation team of over 100 members, spanning departments like manufacturing, packaging, and regions dependent on 3PL services. They effectively managed interactions between diverse teams and stakeholders, many of whom were unfamiliar with ERP processes, ensuring alignment and smooth progress.
• Foundation for Future Success: Positioned the organization to operate their business in a modern with a robust single ERP.

Conclusion:

This project showcased the power of resilience, adaptability, and technical expertise in overcoming significant logistical, cultural, and operational challenges. The consultant’s leadership in replacing legacy systems and streamlining processes across manufacturing, packaging, and logistics established a robust foundation for future success.