ERP (Enterprise resource planning) systems play an important and successful role in the workplace, providing a central software system that helps businesses manage and automate their core processes.
Because of its high importance to the core of the business, it’s very important to get the implementation of a new ERP system correct. However, this is something that can come with multiple complications.
So how do you overcome these? Here are some common barriers to successful implementation of ERP systems, and some solutions.
Fear of the cost and time taken
Sometimes a project can seem too expensive or too big to implement, and becomes daunting even though the company leaders know they need to move forward with it. They can object – with arguments that say the company doesn’t have the time, funds or even resources to implement that project. There’s a reason why there is the saying ‘fail to plan; plan to fail.’ It’s best to take out that overwhelm and have a plan drawn up, broken down into manageable phases – budget, timing, resource – so that that company feels happy to accomplish the project.
“We can’t justify it”
Establishing a compelling business case is a very difficult thing for a boss! Without a strong strategy for implementation, changing to a new ERP system can drain company resources and funds. Organise a business case from the beginning – demonstrate ROIs, KPIs and how the new ERP will transform the business by streamlining all processes.
Objections
Getting stuck in their ways, or the fear of change is a huge challenge. Users become very familiar with their own processes and see it as a huge difficulty and effort to change to an entirely new system. The best way to do this is to help the end users to become familiar with the new ERP system, and show them learning resources as much as possible.
Managing the cost
New ERP updates and implementations can be costly. There are features added and systems that are reset, which quite often forces businesses to implement a new system at a sometimes significant cost. This could be financially a strain for businesses. How to mitigate costs? Perhaps update your current ERP system, with another outside provider giving extra support. This could eliminate the need for a completely new ERP implementation, saving costs.
Find out more about implementing ERP systems at our itSHOWCASE events 2025
