Is your manufacturing organization planning an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) upgrade or transformation? If so, you’re in good company. In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, where operational complexity and the pressure to deliver on time are constant challenges, the need for a modern and robust ERP system has never been more critical.
It’s not just about replacing old systems
If you’re leading an ERP initiative, or planning one for the future, it’s essential to understand that ERP success doesn’t happen by accident. These projects require a massive organizational commitment to drive results that go far beyond merely replacing legacy systems. Far too often, many midsize manufacturing businesses embark on an ERP-transformation with one goal in mind: replacing aging systems. While this is technically valid, it's not inspiring. It's not the kind of goal that gets business leaders excited or employees engaged. And that’s the problem.
"According to a recent Gartner® report more than 80% of ERP initiatives in midsize enterprises are not meeting expectations of executives or end-users, leading to reputational damage for the CIO."
Purpose before platform
From my experience working with many manufacturing businesses on ERP initiatives, I’ve seen firsthand the pitfalls that can occur during these projects. (You’d be surprised how often organizations jump straight to selecting a vendor). But before committing to any system, CIOs and IT leaders need to answer and communicate three essential questions:
- Why are we doing this? What’s the real business value?
- What will change (and what won’t change)?
- How will we manage the change, the platform, and the processes?
Keep in mind that this isn't just a planning exercise—it's a leadership one. ERP success depends on ensuring that everyone in your organization understands the purpose behind the initiative and believes in the vision. When your employees see themselves in the outcome, they’re more likely to engage with the process and contribute to its success.
Why your ERP vision matters
A well-defined ERP vision serves as the foundation for your entire project. It provides a roadmap for the implementation process and sets clear expectations for what your organization will achieve.
While CIOs and IT leaders typically take the lead in building the ERP vision, it’s crucial that this vision isn’t developed in isolation. It needs input from a diverse group of stakeholders across your organization, people who understand the day-to-day challenges of various departments. This collaborative approach ensures the vision is both comprehensive and grounded in the practical realities of your business.
The journey is just as important as the destination
Check this Gartner® report, compliments of RamBase, the report outlines the steps to create an ERP vision that drives results. Whether you're just beginning to plan your ERP journey or you're already in the middle of one, we believe this report covers everything you need to set your organization up for success, including:
- The key elements every successful ERP vision must have
- How to engage stakeholders and get buy-in from all levels of your organization
- The most common mistakes organizations make when crafting their ERP vision, and how to avoid them
- Best practices for communicating and adapting the vision as the project progresses
An ERP vision isn’t a one-and-done document. Over time, business needs and market conditions will evolve, and your vision must adapt accordingly to ensure it remains relevant. This is especially important in fast-paced industries like manufacturing where technology and market trends change rapidly.
Ready to get started?
By investing time and energy into crafting a clear, purposeful ERP vision, your organization will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of a successful ERP transformation. Whether you're in the early stages of planning or actively implementing, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Download the report now and start building a strategy that can make your ERP success story a reality.
Discover strategic recommendations and insights from "Gartner® Creating a Vision for ERP Success: A Guide for Midsize Enterprises”
Gartner, Crafting a Vision for ERP Success: A Guide for Midsize Enterprises, Alexander Buschek, 19 May 2025.
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