"It is very important to start off by mapping your business processwith enough detail that everybody understands, at a high level first,what they are getting into," she said. "And then once you add thedetails, going back to the business group and explaining every step ofthe way, because nobody really understands what this means until theyknow the details."

There's a learning curve involved in mapping the project because alldepartments within the firm have to handle the process the same way.That means a lot of compromising in terms of deciding what the processwill be. For example, a sales order process can't change withouthaving an impact on how finance does their processes.

"Educating business about what integration means is very important,because that's something that's not always understood," said Girgis."Everybody is used to having their own customized systems, but nowyou're telling them that the process is going to change to accommodateother business areas. That's a difficult job."

How do you get the message across? In a variety of ways. Sometimes byexplaining the cost of doing it differently. Sometimes by someonewithin the organization taking the lead and making it happen.

Importance Of Team Structure