🚨 Error #1: Neglecting the Business Needs Analysis
The typical trap
Solution
- Map your current processes before anything else
- Identify the points of friction in your workflows
- Clearly define your business objectives (not technical)
- Involve all departments from the beginning
💡 Expert advice: Devote at least 20% of your project budget to this analysis phase. It’s an investment that will save you thousands of euros later.
⚡ Error #2: Underestimate Change Management
Why is it critical
An ERP doesn’t just change your tools, it disrupts your work habits. Ignoring the human aspect is running straight towards failure.
Alarming statistic: 70% of ERP projects fail due to resistance to change, no technical issues.
Warning signs
- Negative comments on the future system
- Rumors and passive resistance
- Lack of commitment from the managers
- Training considered a chore
The winning strategy
- Transparent communication from the project announcement
- Identification of ambassadors in each department
- Progressive and adapted training by profession
- Post-go-live support for a minimum of 3-6 months
🎯 Error #3: Wanting To Migrate Everything All At Once
The 'big bang' syndrome
The classic error: migrate all the modules at the same time to "finish it quickly". This is the perfect recipe for chaos.
The recommended phased approach
Phase 1: CRM and Sales (1-2 months) Phase 2: Inventory management and purchasing (2 months) Phase 3: Accounting and reporting (1-2 months) Phase 4: Specific modules according to needs
Advantages of this approach
- Teams less overwhelmed
- faster return on investment
- Possibility to adjust along the way
- Risk reduction
💾 Error #4: Neglecting Data Quality
The field reality
"Garbage in, garbage out" - If your current data is of poor quality, your new ERP will be too.
Example : An SME migrated 15,000 product references without prior cleaning. Result: duplicates, outdated references, and 6 months of post-migration cleaning.
Action plan for clean data
- Full audit of existing data
- Cleaning and deduplication before migration
- Standardization of formats and nomenclatures
- Validation by business users
- Tests on a representative sample
👥 Error #5: Train Too Late and Too Little
The symptoms of a failed training
- Users lost from the first week
- Return to old tools "temporarily"
- Multiplication of input errors
- General demotivation
The effective training method
3 weeks before: General theoretical training 1 week before: Practical training by shift D-Day: Individualized support Week +1 to +4: Daily reinforced support
Types of training to be planned
- End user training: daily manipulation
- Super user training: advanced configuration
- Admin training: maintenance and evolutions
🔧 Error #6: Neglecting User Tests
Why testing is crucial
You wouldn’t launch an e-commerce site without testing it, so why do things differently with your ERP ?
Recommended testing program
- Technical tests: basic features
- Business tests: real use scenarios
- Load tests: simulated peak activity
- Acceptance tests: validation by end users
Recommended duration: Minimum 2 weeks of intensive testing before go-live.
📊 Error #7: Missing Post Go-Live Tracking
The most costly error
Thinking that the project is finished on D-Day. In reality, that’s where everything really starts.
Indicators to monitor for the first 3 months
- Input time compared to the old system
- Rate of data entry errors
- Effective use of the modules
- User satisfaction (weekly surveys)
- System performance (response time)
Support post go-live essentiel
- Dedicated hotline the first 2 weeks
- Reminder training at D+30 and D+60
- Continuous optimizations according to field feedback
- Individual support for users in difficulty
🎯 Action Plan: Your Anti-Esh Checklist
Before starting your ERP project :
- Comprehensive audit of your current processes
- Clear definition of business objectives
- Budget including 20% margin for contingencies
- Dedicated project team with executive sponsor
- Internal communication plan
During implementation :
- Weekly progress reports
- User tests at each phase
- Progressive formation of the teams
- Continuous data cleaning
After the go-live :
- Reinforced support first 3 months
- Measurement of defined KPIs
- Collecting user feedback
- Continuous optimization plan
- Newcomer training
🚀 Conclusion: Your ERP success in 3 key points
The implementation of a successful ERP is based on three fundamental pillars
- Rigorous preparation: analysis, planning, anticipation
- Human support: training, communication, support
- Continuous improvement: listening, adjustments, optimization
Are you still hesitating about your ERP project? These mistakes may seem daunting, but with the right accompaniment, they are perfectly avoidable.
💬 And You, What Is Your Biggest Concern ?
Share in the comment your main concern regarding your future ERP project. I personally answer each question !