ERP Implementation: Steps, Challenges & Best Practices

As enterprises grow, so do their operations. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) becomes critical for organizations prioritizing responsiveness, relevance, and consistency. While ERP systems streamline operations, implementation can present unexpected hurdles.

In 2024, the Birmingham City Council had to shell out an additional £1 million on emergency manual bookkeeping after their £38 million accounting system failed. 

This case is an example of how poor ERP implementation can cost months or years of effort and money. Without a clear strategy, businesses risk costly disruptions and operational inefficiencies.

Investing in structured implementation and leveraging digital adoption platforms (DAPs) can significantly improve success. This article breaks down the key steps and best practices to ensure your ERP software implementation delivers real value.

What is ERP Implementation?

ERP implementation is the process of unifying and managing core business functions like finance, HR, supply chain, and sales to ensure cohesive functioning. It replaces fragmented systems and silos with a single integrated platform. Organizations implement ERP solutions to:

• Centralize business processes and ensure a unified workflow
• Improve efficiency through automation 
• Reduce errors and speed up operations
• Enable data-driven decision-making for leaders

Why ERP Implementation Matters

ERP system implementation improves data visibility, reduces errors, and facilitates better decision-making. ERP offers a roadmap to smoother, more efficient operations.

Here’s why it matters for your business:

Improving Operational Efficiency

ERP systems streamline routine operations by simplifying processes and eliminating staff errors. This can boost overall productivity.

For example, after deploying an ERP system, 74% of companies boosted productivity and efficiency.

Enhancing Data Visibility and Accuracy

Poor quality data can have unmistakable consequences in business. Gartner found that businesses lose an average of $15 million per year because of poor data.

ERP systems prevent the use of stale data by providing real-time insights from centralized networks. They improve decision making regarding optimal resource allocation, sales forecasts, and cycle times, among others.

Supporting Scalability and Growth

ERP systems scale with your business needs, integrating various functions into a unified platform to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and adapt to changing market demands.

For instance, when fast-casual restaurant chain Sweetgreen faced challenges with scalability due to rapid growth, it implemented Oracle’s Cloud ERP and Coupa. The ERP system led to a 67% decrease in data load times, a 5-minute reduction in journal entry completion time, and a 30% reduction in manual IT controls.

Strengthening Compliance and Risk Management

ERP tools improve regulatory compliance with built-in monitoring and reporting capabilities. They enhance data security in a closed environment, making it easier for organizations to protect key company information from potential threats.

Boosting Collaboration and Communication

ERP systems encourage different departments to interact, resulting in improved team collaboration. It combines various functions into one interface to facilitate smooth communication.

In fact, Panorama Consulting Group has found that breaking silos is among the top three benefits of ERP system implementation.

Organizational Benefits of ERP Implementation

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What is the ERP System Implementation Process?

ERP software implementation is a multi-stage process that requires careful planning, collaboration, and execution. To achieve this, companies must follow a structured ERP implementation process that ensures seamless integration, system testing, and user adoption.

The process entails the following steps:

Step #1: Assess Business Needs

Before selecting an ERP system, organizations must evaluate their current workflows, identify inefficiencies, and define clear objectives. This involves:

• Mapping existing processes to uncover inefficiencies
• Identifying pain points such as manual data entry errors or siloed information
• Aligning ERP capabilities with business goals (e.g., better financial reporting)

This ensures that the ERP implementation plan is built around actual business needs rather than just software capabilities.

Step #2: Select the Right ERP Solution

Choosing the right ERP system depends on scalability, industry-specific features, and integration capabilities. Key factors to consider include:

• Cloud vs. On-premise ERP: Cloud solutions offer flexibility, while on-premise ERP provides greater control.
• Customization vs. Out-of-the-Box Features: Too many customizations can slow down enterprise resource planning implementation and increase costs.
• Integration: Compatibility with existing tools like current CRM, HR, or finance software.

A well-chosen system minimizes friction and accelerates business transformation.

Step #3: Build an ERP Implementation Team

A successful ERP implementation requires a cross-functional team that brings together technical expertise, human resources, and business insights. A successful ERP rollout requires:

• IT specialists to ensure technical feasibility and system integration.
• Department heads to represent user needs and process improvements.
• Project managers to ERP implementation timelines and resource allocation.

Leveraging a DAP like Apty can ensure that employees receive structured guidance, reducing resistance, accelerating adoption, and improving productivity by up to 20%.

Step #4: Develop a Comprehensive Implementation Plan

A well-structured enterprise resource planning ensures timely execution and efficient resource allocation. This includes:

• Project timeline with realistic milestones
• Budget estimation to avoid cost overruns
• Risk mitigation strategies to handle unforeseen issues

Without a detailed ERP implementation checklist, the process often faces delays, scope creep, and resistance from employees unprepared for the transition.

Step #5: Migrate Data and Integrate Systems

One of the main challenges of ERP implementation is moving data from legacy systems without errors during the transition. Key steps include:

• Data Cleansing: Removing duplicate or outdated records
• Data Mapping: Aligning fields between old and new systems
• Integration Testing: Ensuring the ERP software syncs with other business tools

Failure to do so can result in operational disruptions and poor decision-making due to inconsistent or missing data.

Step #6: Customize and Configure the ERP System

While ERP customization may be necessary, excessive modifications can lead to higher costs and complexity. Organizations should:

• Prioritize standard features over custom development.
• Ensure user-friendly configurations for ease of adoption.
• Test configurations in a sandbox environment before deployment.

Leveraging smart tools ensures efficiency without overcomplicating workflows.

Step #7: Develop a User Onboarding and Training Strategy

User adoption is critical for ERP implementation success. A structured training program should include:

• Workshops and webinars for hands-on learning and development
• Role-based training tailored to different departments
• In-app guidance to assist users in real time

Traditional methods like manual sessions are often ineffective, which is why many organizations turn to DAPs. Apty’s in-app guidance can help employees learn on the go, reducing IT support queries by up to 15%.

Step #8: Pilot Test and Collect Feedback

A phased rollout allows businesses to identify issues before full-scale ERP implementation. This involves:

• Testing with a small group of users
• Collecting real-time feedback
• Refining workflows based on user insights

DAPs like Apty can improve adoption with contextual tooltips to help organizations track how employees interact with the ERP system.

Step #9: Deploy the ERP System and Manage Change

The final rollout requires:

• Company-wide implementation of the ERP system
• Change management strategies to minimize resistance
• Ongoing support and system monitoring

Apty assists with change management by offering contextual guidance, in-product support, and analytics to smooth the transition.

Step #10: Monitor Adoption and Measure Success

To maximize ERP implementation ROI, businesses must track key adoption metrics, including:

• User engagement rates
• Time taken to complete critical workflows
• Reduction in errors and manual rework

Advanced data monitoring features like those provided by Apty offer real-time insights into user engagement and compliance, helping businesses optimize adoption.

Step #11: Create an End-User Support Strategy

Even after deployment, ongoing end-user training and support is crucial. Organizations should:

• Establish help desks for troubleshooting
• Create knowledge bases with FAQs and guides
• Implement real-time assistance tools

Here, Apty’s self-help support feature enables employees to find answers quickly without needing IT intervention.

Step #12: Evaluate, Optimize, and Scale

ERP systems require continuous improvement to adapt to evolving business requirements. Best practices include:

• Regular system audits to identify inefficiencies
• User feedback loops for process improvements
• Expansion of ERP functionalities as the company grows

Apty PULSE, with its centralized dashboard and real-time analytics, lets organizations visualize user journeys, identify bottlenecks, and implement targeted optimizations to refine ERP implementation processes.

Challenges With ERP Implementation

Several challenges lead to failed ERP implementation. Addressing these challenges effectively is key to maximizing the value of an ERP system:

Low User Adoption

Unfamiliarity with ERP implementation and insufficient guidance cause employees to oppose software implementation. Employees struggle to use the system effectively when onboarding is not provided properly.

Providing step-by-step walkthroughs and real-time assistance with the help of tools like Apty can significantly improve adoption.

Complex ERP Workflows

The complexity of ERP software workflows often results in inefficiencies and user errors. Navigating between different functions without clear direction can slow down processes and create bottlenecks.

Businesses that introduce automation and contextual prompts within their ERP system reduce friction and improve usability.

Data Migration Errors

Transferring data from legacy systems is one of the biggest hurdles in ERP implementation. Data inconsistencies and missing records can cause disruptions, leading to financial and operational risks.

Organizations using real-time validation tools during data migration ensure accuracy and prevent delays.

Insufficient Training

Traditional training methods rarely align with how employees use an ERP system. Many businesses now embed role-based training and real-time support within the ERP interface, ensuring users get help precisely when they need it.

Mary Kay, a global direct-selling beauty brand, used Apty for personalized digital onboarding and training in 15 languages across 24 countries.

Also Read: How to Overcome Employee Pushback

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Best Practices for ERP Implementation

While these challenges are common, businesses can overcome them with the right approach. Following these proven best practices helps ensure a smooth ERP implementation:

Define Clear Business Goals

Without well-defined objectives, the ERP implementation process can lose direction, resulting in delays and inefficiencies. Reports show that up to 75% of all ERP projects fail to meet their objectives.

To avoid this, businesses must start by mapping out key pain points such as improving inventory accuracy or reducing manual data entry. This will ensure the system aligns with their actual needs.

Invest in Training and Onboarding

ERP adoption often struggles due to inefficient employee training and onboarding.

Traditional onboarding methods rarely provide hands-on learning. Organizations that integrate in-app guidance, interactive walkthroughs, contextual support, and role-based training see faster adoption and fewer support requests.

Ensure Data Accuracy and Standardization

When data quality deteriorates it leads to incorrect reports as well as system violations and problems with important choices. Organizations can employ real-time validation technologies for the pre-validation of data to detect errors before operational damage occurs.

Practice Phased Implementation

Rolling out an ERP system all at once increases the risk of disruptions, user confusion, and operational slowdowns. A phased approach, where the system is introduced department by department or in specific functional areas, allows for gradual adaptation and better issue resolution.

ERP Implementation Case Study

To see how these best practices come to life, let’s review a case study of an ERP implementation.

Mattel, a global toy company, faced challenges with Workday HCM implementation, including inconsistent processes and a surge in support tickets. Employees struggled with navigating the system, impacting onboarding and HR tasks.

To address this, Mattel integrated interactive in-app guides and real-time support within Workday, helping employees complete tasks independently. This approach led to 90% system utilization within 60 days, reduced support tickets, and improved process efficiency.

Optimizing 30+ business processes in multiple languages helped Mattel boost global adoption and ensure seamless onboarding.

As shown by Mattel’s success, integrating the right tools is crucial for maximizing an ERP system’s benefits.

Drive Successful ERP Implementation With Apty

Implementing an ERP system requires more than software installation because it transforms business operational procedures. Even the best ERP systems can underperform if employees struggle to use it. The problem often lies in resistance to change, overwhelming systems, disconnected training, and lack of support.

That’s why businesses that prioritize user adoption from day one see the highest ROI from their ERP systems.

A DAP like Apty makes all the difference here. It ensures employees master the system faster with real-time guidance, process automation, and behavioral analytics. Businesses using Apty see measurable improvements, from faster onboarding to fewer support tickets and better compliance with standardized workflows.

Your ERP should enable, not hinder. 

Book a demo today to discover how Apty drives real ERP implementation success.