# What is an ERP Implementation?

An ERP implementation includes installing your new software, training your employees to use the software, and how to take advantage of it to better do their jobs. ERP implementation can take months or even years to complete.

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## ERP implementation

During an ERP implementation, an organization goes through radical changes in terms of current software usage and organizational culture. The process includes:

- **Planning your ERP implementation**
- **Configuring or customizing your ERP** depending on A/B testing
- **Deploying your brand new ERP** across your business

Nearly 50% of ERP implementations fail around the first time.

Avoid being a part of the statistics by following our 9-step ERP implementation planning guide for successful ERP implementation:

## 9-Step ERP Implementation Planning Guide

ERP is a complex software program that requires much forethought before the implementation begins. It is a costly affair, but it is also a long-term investment. As such, it is vital to identify your technological goals and expectations. It is important to note that operational requirements vary across different organizations.

1. **Set realistic expectations**  
   An ERP will not magically transform your organization. It cannot fix underlying organizational issues, financial mismanagement, and lack of goals or purpose. An ERP helps you automate your business processes and enhances communication between various departments while creating a single copy of data that is verifiable and synced automatically.

2. **Find an ERP vendor who understands your industry**  
   Every business has unique requirements that change over time. The reasons you need an ERP today won't be the same tomorrow. Make sure your vendor understands the origins of your hesitation and provides you with the necessary tools to lower the risk of making seemingly irreversible decisions when implementing an ERP system.

3. **Conduct a thorough audit**  
   Once you have chosen your vendor and the ERP product you seek to implement, conduct a complete audit of all technology-related items. This includes the hardware, software, and peripheral infrastructure necessary to run your business.

4. **Prioritize Tasks**  
   For your ERP to function as it should, you should identify tasks that need to be done on a priority basis, even before you install the software program. Here are the 4 most critical tasks to complete before installing ERP:

5. **Appoint an internal ERP implementation team**  
   It's easy to make mistakes when implementing ERP simply because there isn't a hands-on team to oversee the entire project. As ERP implementation affects every aspect of your business, it is necessary to put a team that liaises with everyone involved. Identify key stakeholders who understand their domain best.

6. **Prepare your staff for a change in work culture**  
   Any ERP implementation brings about a change in your organizational culture. In the best scenario, it results in a dramatic shift in how things get done.

7. **Conduct testing and configuration during deployment**  
   ERP implementation is a process during which you discover your organizational shortcomings. It is a time of revelation that will leave you vulnerable and exposed to technical loopholes. However, it also allows you to test which processes work better when certain ERP functions are tweaked, configured, and reconfigured.

8. **Deploy ERP organization-wide after successful staff training**

## Continue to seek support from your ERP vendor

Technology changes rapidly, and it is essential to keep your ERP updated and customized to reflect these changes. Maintaining an ongoing relationship with your vendor, who can advise you regarding critical updates, is vital. Your business processes are not stagnant, either. They often change dramatically within a short period. Your ERP will have to play catch up to reflect these changes. An empathetic ERP vendor will factor in these transformations and help you attune your new ERP on an ongoing basis.