ERP implementations are often sold as a solution to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and boost efficiency. While all of this is true, there’s a reality that ERP sellers don’t always emphasize: the work involved in preparing your data and processes for a new system.
For larger companies, the complexity of their operations and the state of their data can make this task even more daunting than they realize.
Here’s the truth about what bigger companies face during an ERP implementation—and why preparation is critical to success.
The Complexity of Scale
The bigger the company, the more moving parts there are. Larger organizations typically have:
- Multiple Systems: Legacy systems that don’t integrate seamlessly, each holding critical but siloed data.
- Vast Amounts of Data: Years of financial records, inventory data, and customer information—much of it outdated, duplicated, or inconsistent.
- Decentralized Operations: Regional offices or departments that operate independently, each with processes and data standards.
These complexities add layers of challenges to ERP implementations, from reconciling data across multiple systems to aligning processes across departments.
The Data Problems No One Talks About
ERP sellers often focus on the benefits of their software, but they don’t always highlight the state of your data—or how it can derail your implementation. The reality is that your ERP is only as good as the data you feed into it.
Common Data Issues in Larger Companies:
- Outdated Records: Years of uncleaned data, including old customer accounts or irrelevant inventory items.
- Duplicate Entries: Multiple records for the same customer, product, or supplier due to system inconsistencies.
- Unreconciled Accounts: Financial data that hasn’t been reconciled properly, leading to inaccuracies.
- Inconsistent Standards: Different departments or regions using varied formats, codes, or categorizations for data.
Without addressing these issues, your new ERP system may amplify problems rather than solve them.
Why the Work Has to Be Done
Skipping the hard work of cleaning and reconciling your data before implementation can lead to significant issues, including:
- Operational Delays: Teams spend more time troubleshooting than using the system.
- Higher Costs: Fixing data issues after implementation requires additional consulting hours and extended timelines.
- Poor Adoption: Employees lose confidence in the system when data errors and inconsistencies disrupt workflows.
The only way to avoid these pitfalls is to roll up your sleeves and do the work before cutover. That means taking a hard look at your data and processes to ensure they’re ERP-ready.
What ERP Sellers Aren’t Telling You
ERP sellers focus on selling their software, not preparing your business for the implementation. While they’ll highlight the software’s capabilities, they may not fully explain:
- The effort required to clean and organize your data.
- The need to align internal processes across departments or regions.
- The risk of delays and added costs if preparation is overlooked.
This lack of transparency can leave companies unprepared for the realities of implementation.
How to Tackle the Chaos
For larger companies, the path to a successful ERP implementation starts with preparation:
- Assess Your Data: Conduct a comprehensive review of your data to identify duplicates, inconsistencies, and outdated records.
- Clean and Reconcile: Standardize formats, reconcile financial accounts, and remove irrelevant data.
- Align Processes: Work with departments to create unified workflows that align with the ERP system’s structure.
- Work with Experts: Partner with consultants specializing in ERP implementations to guide you through the process.
The BHC Group Advantage
At BHC Group, we understand the unique challenges larger companies face during ERP implementations. Our team works with you to tackle the complexities of your data and processes, ensuring your business is fully prepared for the transition. We don’t just focus on the software—we focus on your success.
Let’s Get to Work
Don’t let the hidden challenges of ERP implementation catch you off guard. Contact BHC Group today to create a strategy that ensures your ERP system works for you—not against you. Together, we’ll turn your mess into a success.
