Successfully integrating a new ERP plan is not an easy task. Many companies struggle to find a balance between real-time and batch integration and external and internal ERP systems. Enterprise resource planning is a complex challenge and there are many points to consider before launching a new strategy.

According to Panorama Consulting's independent ERP research over the past five years, the average cost of an ERP implementation is approximately $6.1 million with an average duration of 15.7 months. Traditionally an ERP implementation fails because managers don’t consider:

• How a successful ERP implementation will improve day-to-day business processes
• The cost of an ERP implementation from beginning to end
• The time it will take to complete an ERP implementation   

Eric Kimberling of Panorama Consulting is an independent ERP systems expert with over 20 years' experience advising clients around the world. He believes that ERP solutions have become easier to implement over the years.

"You don't want to treat ERP as a small project. You want to make sure you have a dedicated focus on the people that are addressing the organisational change management aspects," he says. "People always think end-user training when they think of organisational change, but there's so much more that needs to happen before the end-user training in order for that to be successful."

Make sure the entire ERP system implementation is divided into steps, and each stage has specific timelines for completion. To guarantee a seamless application, assign someone to be responsible for ensuring those deadlines are met.

The implementation process should be supported by documentation to minimise the chances of encountering delays. Such pre-worked documentation shared by the ERP provider ensures that, as a business, you can hit the ground running and hone in on new opportunities.