Portfolio of Kate Paydon
Communications & Change Strategist

OCM CASE STUDY:
Dynamics 365 Implementation
at Lippert Components, Inc.

Overview

Lippert Components, Inc., a global manufacturer in the RV and residential housing sectors, launched a critical ERP upgrade in late 2018. Moving from AX 2012 to Microsoft's cloud-based Dynamics 365, the project impacted over 2,000 team members across 35 domestic manufacturing plants and several corporate functions (including IT and Accounting).

Challenges

Lippert used a “big bang” go-live approach, rolling out the new system across all in-scope facilities simultaneously. Without an existing organizational change management (OCM) discipline, the company faced major risks: limited technical readiness, misaligned leadership, and low user preparedness. The scale and speed of the project demanded a deliberate shift; change and communications became non-negotiable for success.

My Role

Originally focused on project management, I was re-tasked six months before go-live to lead the full OCM strategy from the ground up.

How I Led Success

• Built a grounded change strategy by assessing project goals, stakeholders, and communication risks

• Led the D365 Training & OCM team to align messaging, training, and engagement

• Developed core communications, including executive updates, town halls, a Go-Live Information Kit, and live presentation materials for facilities teams

Results that Mattered  (included at the end of this page)

• Co-presented Lippert’s change strategy at Microsoft’s AX User Group Summit in Orlando, FL

• Project leadership named OCM and communications the #1 reason for success 

• Established the foundation for a formal OCM discipline at the company following go-live (Introduction deck here)

Description: Designed and delivered all entries below as part of my D365 OCM Lead role: