How to Avoid a Never-Ending ERP Implementation

One of the big dangers during an ERP implementation is a rollout that bogs down and extends far beyond a project’s planned timeline. The history of ERP implementation is littered with such projects, and everyone knows someone who has faced this nightmare in the past.

The prevalence of never-ending ERP implementation is so common, many businesses even delay digital transformation because of it. But the good news is that it is possible to roll out a new cloud-based ERP solution in 2026 that is on-time and under budget. Many of our clients even roll out a fully functional SAP solution in weeks, not months.

How is this possible, and why are delayed ERP implementations so common?

There are a few reasons why some businesses ace ERP implementation while others struggle with it. Overall, success comes down to a fit-to-standards approach and a few key project management decisions that make or break a rollout.

Let’s look at those key factors and how your ERP implementation can be up and running in no time.

Key #1: Use a Fit-to-Standards Approach

A fit-to-standard ERP implementation approach relies on configuration over customization, and it leans into industry best practices instead of reinventing the wheel.

The core concept behind fit-to-standard is that most of what a business needs for backend functionality is similar across a given industry segment. All manufacturers need inventory control and quality management, for instance. Every distributor needs supply chain analytics and interconnectivity with supplier and ecommerce systems.

Further, most backend processes that run a business are not actually competitive differentiators. A life sciences business doesn’t win or lose based on accounting practices or compliance management. Similarly, extended warehouse management processes often look similar across the businesses that use them, especially within a given industry.

So instead of reinventing the wheel during ERP implementation, a business can lean on pre-defined configurations and best-practice processes that are baked in by default for a faster ERP rollout. Where non-standard functionality or processes are needed, a business changes configuration settings instead of crafting true customization.

Key #2: Implement in Phases

ERP runs a business end-to-end, which means there are many applications, workflows, and data migrations associated with rollout. Further, there’s almost infinite scope for improving operations through additional modules and functionality that can be added to the system. This can make ERP implementation a massive project.

One way to shrink complexity, rollout times, and business disruption is through a phased ERP implementation approach. This approach onboards the system at first for only certain departments or functional areas, such as finance or manufacturing. Once strategically critical areas of an ERP system are implemented and running smoothly, the business then adds additional departments and capabilities over time in phases.

This progressive, phased implementation approach is more agile, and it enables greater focus during implementation. It also cuts down on project creep for a system that inherently can do everything under the sun.

Key #3: Define Non-Negotiable Outcomes

Project creep is especially common with ERP implementation. There are lots of things a business might want from its new ERP solution, and many new technologies that will tempt leadership and an implementation team.

One of the best ways for avoiding this project creep is a clear list of non-negotiable outcomes that are defined during the onset. These might include close speed, On-Time In-Full (OTIF) or other important outcomes such as easier inventory returns.

Defined non-negotiables help with faster implementation in two ways. First, they clarify what’s important so a business can focus on core needs instead of new bells and whistles. Second, a clear list of non-negotiable outcomes ensures that the implemented system meets the actual needs of the business instead of requiring adjustment later in the process.

Key #4: Lock Change Control

An equally important key for avoiding ERP project creep is locking down change control. An ERP implementation project won’t stay on time if scope evolves and changes can be requested at any time during implementation.

Setting outcomes and scope at the onset of an ERP implementation is critically important for an orderly rollout, but so is sticking to these defined parameters later in the project. This is why good ERP implementation limits the scope for project changes once needs and scope have been defined.

Of course, there will be many instances when additional capability needs and functionality opportunities emerge during implementation, but these change requests should be funneled onto a post-implementation improvements list or slated for a later implementation phase. This way, scope does not increase and requirements stay consistent during initial implementation.

Key #5: Leverage Implementation Accelerators

There are a range of ERP implementation accelerators that a business can use for faster rollout times and a more consistent implementation. Some of these accelerators are available through ERP vendors such as SAP, and some come from experienced ERP support partners such as Navigator Business Solutions.

On the vendor side, offerings such as SAP GROW and RISE with SAP provide deployment frameworks, planning best practices, data migration tools and templates for easing the transition to a new system. These programs can standardize ERP implementation and speed up adoption.

Experienced implementation support partners also frequently come with accelerators that can help a business move faster and avoid delays. We come armed with templates, data accelerators, migration tools and industry playbooks that help client businesses keep momentum and improve decision velocity during ERP implementation. We’ve built these tools and playbooks from decades of experience assisting businesses with efficient ERP rollout, so our implementation tools are refined and always on-point.

Implement the Right Way, With the Right Partner

Are you suffering from a never-ending ERP implementation or simply want to get it right the first time? Check out our ERP Project Rescue services.

info@nbs-us.com | (801) 642-0123 | www.nbs-us.com

With a few key strategies, we can help you deliver an ERP implementation project on time and under budget.