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Ten essential questions to ask before starting your ERP project

Starting an ERP project is a major step for any business. The right approach can transform your operations, but only if you ask the right questions from the outset. At TVT, we help organisations set themselves up for ERP success by focusing on what matters most: clear goals, the right technology, and a trusted partner.

Key questions to ask before embarking on an ERP journey

1. Which ERP partner fits our company best? 

Your ERP partner will become an extension of your business. Choose a partner who is trustworthy, knowledgeable, experienced, and shares your business values. 

2. What are our goals and objectives? 

Be clear about what you want to achieve. Are you modernising your systems, saving money, or seeking better business insights? Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) objectives to measure your project’s success. 

3. Do we need an industry-specific ERP? 

Generic ERP systems offer broad functionality, but industry-specific solutions (like Bevica for the drinks sector) provide tailored features. Assess whether your business would benefit from specialised capabilities. 

4. How much can we do with standard functionality? 

Understand the difference between standard and customised ERP features. Customisations can be costly and complex, so explore how much you can achieve with out-of-the-box functionality. 

5. What other systems will we need to integrate? 

Identify any third-party systems you rely on. Clarify what needs to be integrated and whether the ERP’s standard features already cover these requirements. 

6. How much mobility do we need? 

Modern ERPs are cloud-based and mobile-friendly. Consider who needs access, how, and when, especially if you have field teams or hybrid working models. 

7. Will we need our current data imported? 

Data migration is often a challenge. Decide what historical data is essential for daily operations and plan how to store or access older records. 

8. Who will lead the project? 

Appoint a dedicated project manager - either from your team (with backfill for their usual role) or an experienced external consultant - to ensure best practice and project continuity. 

9. How will key reports be generated? 

Review the ERP’s built-in reporting tools. Decide if you need additional solutions (like Power BI or Jet Reports) and how they’ll integrate with your new system. 

10. How will we define project success? 

Agree on what success looks like: achieving goals, delivering on time and budget, or other business-specific outcomes. Clear success measures keep your project on track. 

 

Why choose TVT?

At TVT, we’re committed to guiding you through every stage of your ERP journey. From initial planning to go-live and beyond, our experienced team ensures your project delivers real business value. 
 
Ready to start your ERP project with confidence? Contact TVT today to find out how we can help. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to define project goals before starting an ERP project?

Clear goals ensure your ERP project delivers measurable value and helps you track progress and success.

Should we always choose an industry-specific ERP?

Not always. Industry-specific ERPs offer tailored features, but some businesses can achieve their objectives with a well-configured generic solution.

How do we handle data migration for an ERP project? Identify which data is essential for daily operations and plan for secure storage or access to historical records. 
What’s the risk of too much customisation? Excessive customisation can increase costs, complexity, and future upgrade challenges. Use standard features where possible. 
How do we measure ERP project success?

Define success criteria early, such as achieving business goals, staying on budget, or improving specific processes, and use them to guide the project. 

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