ERP Implementation Success
What Does It Take to Successfully Implement ERP?
A successful ERP implementation starts with a clear understanding of your business goals and what you need your new ERP software to accomplish. From there, the right people, processes, and technology must come together to support your organization throughout the project and beyond go-live.
- Business alignment: Define your objectives and establish what success looks like before the project begins.
- The right project team: Engage executive sponsors, project leaders, and employees who understand your business and will use the system.
- A proven methodology: Follow a structured implementation approach with clear milestones, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.
- Data and integration readiness: Prepare your data and identify integration requirements early to reduce surprises later in the project.
- Testing, training, and change management: Prepare your people and validate business processes so your organization is ready to work effectively in the new system.
Every ERP project is different, careful planning can help you anticipate challenges, make informed decisions, and ultimately get more value from your ERP investment.
Tips for a Successful ERP Implementation
What to Keep in Mind When Planning an ERP Project
From defining your business requirements and selecting the right software to building your project team and preparing employees for change, each stage of the ERP implementation process plays an important role in achieving success.
Research and Requirements Gathering
The first thing you need when considering new ERP software is a list of your business requirements. Once you have at least an outline of your initial requirements, you can research software options with your business needs in mind.
ERP Selection
The ERP selection process involves diving deeper into your business requirements, starting to gather your ERP project team internally, and meeting with software vendors and consulting partners. Read the top 10 ERP selection criteria you need to keep in mind.
Working with an ERP consulting firm
One thing we’ve learned over the course of 30 years in business is that finding the right ERP consulting partner can be transformative for your business. Read our ERP consulting FAQ to learn more about what to expect from your consulting partner.
Change Management
Successful ERP implementations depends on people as much as technology. Change management helps employees adapt to new processes, embrace the new software, and build the skills needed to use it effectively.
ERP Project Planning Checklist
Below is a high-level ERP project checklist for four key areas: business requirements, software selection, choosing the right partner, and project management.
Business requirements
Document and be clear on the following requirements for your new ERP software:
- Essential functionality
- Essential analytics and reporting
- Data conversion information
- Third party integrations
- Number of users
Software selection
Four of many criteria to consider when selecting ERP software:
- Industry fit
- Functionality fit
- Price
- Software vendor stability
Consulting partner criteria
A few of many things to consider when choosing your ERP implementation partner:
- Relevant certifications and industry experience
- Proven project methodology
- Trusted partner on business and technology best practices
Project Management
Key aspects of managing a successful ERP project:
- Build the right project team
- Have an internal communication plan
- Process documentation and mapping
- Key data and conversions
- Testing and training plan
- Go live support and beyond
ERP Success Resources
ERP Implementation Resources & Best Practices
Practical guidance from our ERP experts to help you prepare for an implementation project, avoid common pitfalls, and set your project up for success.
Choosing the right ERP software is a critical first step toward implementation success. Explore 10 key selection criteria, from functionality and industry fit to implementation costs, scalability, and long-term support, to help you make an informed decision.
What to look for in an ERP implementation consultant, from industry experience and proven methodologies to project management and communication. Get practical guidance on choosing the right consulting partner to help your ERP project stay on track and achieve your business goals.
Understand the key practices that help keep an ERP project on track, from selecting the right implementation partner to testing, integration planning, and communication.
Get your ERP project off to the right start with this practical checklist covering 10 essential steps to take before kickoff, from defining business priorities and preparing data to assembling the right team and getting employees ready for change.
How to build an effective ERP change management strategy that prepares your team for new processes and drives user adoption. Discover practical approaches to communication, leadership engagement, and training that help ensure long-term ERP success.
Having the right people on your project, using the right processes and methodologies, and selecting the right software are key factors when it comes to how successful your ERP implementation project will be. Discover more tips for success from Terillium’s President Dave Woodworth:
Common ERP Implementation Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-planned ERP projects can run into challenges. Understanding common implementation mistakes can help your team avoid costly delays and better set you up for success.
1. Letting IT Run the Project Alone
ERP implementations affect the entire business, not just IT. Involve business leaders and subject-matter experts from the beginning to ensure the system supports real operational needs and business goals.
2. Poorly Defined or Expanding Requirements
Without clearly defined requirements, projects can lose focus, exceed budgets, and fall behind schedule. Establish priorities early, document requirements, and carefully evaluate new requests that arise during implementation.
3. Recreating Your Legacy System
Just because a process has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it should continue. Avoid unnecessary customizations that replicate outdated workflows. Instead, look for opportunities to adopt proven ERP functionality and improve business processes.
4. Choosing an Implementation Partner Based on Price Alone
The lowest-cost proposal may leave out critical activities such as detailed discovery, data migration, user training, and comprehensive testing. Cutting corners early can lead to costly issues later. Evaluate partners based on their experience, methodology, scope of services, and ability to deliver long-term value—not just their initial price.
5. Waiting Too Long to Prepare Data
Data cleanup and conversion often require more time and effort than expected. Start assessing data quality early, identify what needs to be cleaned or migrated, and assign clear responsibilities to avoid last-minute surprises.
6. Lacking Executive Sponsorship
ERP projects need visible, ongoing support from executive leadership. Without it, teams may struggle to secure resources, make timely decisions, and drive adoption across the organization. Active executive involvement helps keep the project aligned with business priorities and reinforces the importance of change.
ERP Case Studies
Read ERP implementation success stories by industry. Our team specializes in Oracle ERP – read Oracle Fusion Cloud, NetSuite and JD Edwards case studies below.
ERP CASE STUDIES | VIEW ALL
Belfor Gains A Global ERP Solution with JD Edwards
Radio Flyer Pulls Supply Chain Visibility to the Front of the Company Wagon with JD Edwards
JD Edwards Helps Conti Group Reduce Costs
Ford Meter Box Company Chooses JD Edwards for Modern MRP
Your Partner for ERP Implementation Success
We can help you evaluate your ERP needs, compare your options, and determine whether Oracle ERP is the right fit for your business.