Managing Resistance to Paperless ERP: What to Do When People Who Love Paper Won’t Fold

Peek into the foundations of any long‐established business, and you are likely to discover that it has been built on paper. Accounts payable departments traditionally have been especially dependent on paper for invoices and their accompanying documentation, with elaborate entry and approval processes designed for a paper‐based world. Over the past quarter century, Microsoft Dynamics and other ERP platforms clearly have transformed the way AP operates; yet, despite the availability of paperless document management systems that integrate with ERP, many employees within and outside the accounting function have been reluctant to relinquish their paper.

As a manager, you can help overcome resistance and speed the adoption of Paperless ERP by incorporating the following five approaches.