Replacing an ERP system is one of the most complex and costly transformations a company can undertake. Despite this, many businesses miss the unique opportunity a system replacement provides: to start fresh and optimize their processes. Moreover, many see it as an isolated project unrelated to the company’s broader digital ecosystem.
An ERP replacement should not be viewed as a standalone project. It must be integrated into the organization’s digital ecosystem and aligned with its overall digital strategy. Replacing your ERP is an excellent opportunity to review your data flows and the communication between various systems across your operations. By making the system part of a larger ecosystem, new services or systems can be added without disrupting existing solutions.
Custom solutions implemented directly within the ERP, often referred to as "custom code," create technical debt and complicate future system replacements. Instead, build specialized services outside the system and apply domain-driven design. This approach maintains flexibility and ensures that business logic remains independent of the system itself.
Process debt refers to inefficient or unnecessarily complex workflows that have accumulated over time. When companies replace their ERP, there is a risk that these outdated processes will simply be transferred to the new system.
Process debt arises when:
To ensure a successful system replacement, companies must review and optimize their processes before implementing them in the new system. Failure to do so risks carrying over – or even exacerbating – process debt in the new ERP.
To maximize the value of your ERP replacement, treat it as an opportunity to start anew. Here are some practical tips:
Replacing an ERP is more than just a technical task – it’s a strategic opportunity to renew and future-proof your organization. Remember, it’s not only about selecting the right system but also about creating the right conditions for your business – both today and in the future.
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