Why You Need a Champion for a Successful Microsoft Dynamics GP Implementation, and Why That Person Isn’t Who You Think It Is

I've been involved in countless Microsoft Dynamics GP implementations over the years and have come to realize that there is one little-recognized key to both a successful implementation and long term usage. That key is a champion.

By champion I don't necessarily mean a key executive sponsor, though without that you'll probably fail. I'm not referring to a strong administrator or a project manager, though they are important, too. For me, a true champion is a user who embraces the system and becomes the go-to person internally for Dynamics GP.

The ideal champion in my experience is a mid-level accounting person with a strong technology background. Occasionally it's a DBA with a passion for business. In a few lucky organizations, it's someone with prior GP experience. Generally, the best way to find the champion is to walk into a business running GP and ask who writes GP...