Imagine this: your company has just green-lit a major ERP initiative. Excitement is high. The leadership team is eager to modernize operations, and the vendor demos looked promising. But six months in there’s still no clear ERP implementation project plan and the project is behind schedule, over budget, and no one’s sure who’s accountable for what. Sound familiar? We hope not.
But this scenario illustrates the problem with ERP projects. They’re full of promise, but also full of risk.
ERP implementations are notorious for going off the rails. In fact, studies show that over 50% of ERP projects don’t meet expectations. Why? Organizations often rush or entirely overlook the most critical phase—planning.
Without a solid plan, even the best software can’t save you. Teams get misaligned. Budgets balloon. And what started as a strategic transformation turns into a costly mess. The worst part? These failures are often avoidable.
That’s why we created the ERP Blueprint—a practical, no-fluff guide to help you plan your ERP project the right way from day one. But before you dive into the full guide, this post will walk you through the essential first steps to get your planning on track.
Why Is An ERP Implementation Project Plan Everything?
A few years ago, Mission Produce, a global distributor of avocados, launched a new ERP system to support its international growth. The goal was to improve operational visibility and financial reporting. But shortly after go-live, things went sideways.
The company suddenly couldn’t track how many avocados it had on hand—or how ripe they were. Many ended up unfit for sale. Automated invoicing broke down. To meet delivery commitments, they had to buy fruit from other suppliers, taking a hit to margins. The CEO later admitted that while they had spent “countless hours” preparing, the disruption was far greater than expected.
In the end, Mission Produce had to hire a third-party consultant and spend an additional $3.8 million over nine months to stabilize the system and rebuild trust internally and externally.
The lesson? Even with preparation, if your ERP implementation project plan doesn’t account for real-world complexity—like data accuracy, process alignment, and contingency scenarios—an ERP rollout can quickly spiral into crisis.
That’s why planning isn’t just a phase of your ERP journey, it’s the foundation. It’s where you define your goals, align your people, and set the tone for everything that follows. Without it, even the best ERP system can’t deliver the transformation you’re hoping for.
A Checklist to Start Your ERP Implementation Project Plan
So, where do you begin?
Creating an ERP implementation project plan can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time leading a project of this scale. But most successful implementations follow a similar path. Below is a checklist of foundational steps that can help you build momentum and avoid common missteps.
Define Business Objectives
Don’t start with software—start with strategy. What are you trying to achieve? Faster reporting? Better inventory control? A unified customer view? Clear goals will guide every decision that follows.
Assemble the Right Team
ERP is not just an IT project. It touches every corner of your business. Your planning team should include representatives from finance, operations, HR, and any other affected departments. And don’t forget executive sponsorship—leadership support is critical.
Map Current Processes
Before you can improve your workflows, you need to understand them. Document your “as-is” processes to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and opportunities for automation. This step also uncovers tribal knowledge not documented anywhere.
Set a Realistic Budget and Timeline
ERP projects are notorious for underestimating both. Be honest about what it will take and build in a contingency for the unexpected. A rushed timeline or under-funded scope is a recipe for rework.
Identify Success Metrics
How will you measure your ERP implementation project plan’s success? Define KPIs early—like order accuracy, days sales outstanding (DSO), or system adoption rates—so you can track progress and prove ROI.
Evaluate Vendors Carefully
Don’t just go with the biggest name or the flashiest demo. Look for a partner that understands your industry, your business model, and your people. Ask for references. Dig into their implementation methodology.
Plan for Change Management
Even the best system will fail if no one uses it. Communication, training, and ongoing support are just as important as the technology itself. Start building your change management plan now—not after go-live.
Each of these steps may seem simple on its own, but together they form the backbone of a successful ERP initiative. And if you’re looking for a more detailed roadmap, we’ve got you covered.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re serious about getting your ERP implementation project plan right, don’t stop at the checklist.
Our free eBook, The ERP Blueprint, is your next step. It expands on everything we’ve covered here—offering a practical, no-fluff guide to planning, executing, and sustaining a successful ERP implementation.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A detailed planning framework
- Real-world case studies and lessons learned
- Templates and checklists you can use immediately
- Tips from ERP veterans who’ve been through it all
Whether you’re just exploring ERP or you’re already assembling your team, this guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and build a system that truly supports your business.
What Makes This Guide Different?
There’s no shortage of ERP guides out there. But software vendors who’ve never sat in your seat wrote most. The ERP Blueprint is different.
The team at Intelligent Technologies, Inc., a group of seasoned ERP consultants with real-world experience in both technology and accounting, created this one. Our team members aren’t just tech-savvy. They’re former accountants and business professionals who understand the operational and financial realities you face every day.
We’ve spent over three decades helping small and mid-sized businesses navigate ERP decisions with clarity and confidence. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to bridge the gap between strategy and execution.
This guide reflects that experience. It’s practical, honest, and built to help you succeed—not to sell you software.
