For organizations planning an enterprise resource planning (ERP) upgrade in the next one to two years, your success hinges less on software selection and more on how you prepare your people, processes, and data. Treat ERP implementation as a business transformation effort that technology enables, not as a technical project in isolation. The following insights detail how to navigate these preliminary stages and specify useful tips to begin your ERP implementation journey.
Start With People & Culture
ERP transformations can truly change how individuals work, collaborate, and make decisions. Accordingly, it is critical that people, not technology, lead the conversation. Effective change management, role redesign, and clear communication must come early and continue throughout the project lifecycle. Leaders should model commitment from the top, so that departments understand why the change is necessary and what value it brings.
“People first, processes second; technology follows.”
Establish Guiding Principles & Governance
Strong governance is a key predictor of implementation success. Executive sponsorship, defined roles, and clear decision‑making processes allow teams to align design choices to business outcomes. Guiding principles, such as “standardize where possible, customize only where differentiating,” can help prevent scope drift and confirm that decisions support long‑term value.
Clean Data & Plan Integrations Early
Legacy data quality issues surface quickly once you begin migrating to a modern cloud ERP. Begin data cleansing immediately. Be sure to inventory sources, map fields, assign ownership, and plan transformation rules. Microsoft’s implementation guidance stresses early configuration and migration planning, the use of a sandbox environment, and an intentional migration strategy with structured roles and responsibilities.
Likewise, identify integrations early and validate them well before user acceptance testing to help avoid late‑stage surprises.
Circumvent Lift‑&‑Shift Thinking
A like‑for‑like replacement rarely creates material value. Modern ERP systems embed best practices and automation opportunities. Real transformation requires challenging any outdated processes and embracing native system functionality where it makes sense. Waiting to “transform later” generally results in minimal adoption of new capabilities, higher long‑term cost, and missed opportunity.
Lead With MVP for Faster Time to Value
Rather than attempting to perfect every process at once, define a minimal viable product or most valuable process (MVP) that can deliver early benefits. Stabilize the core first, then iterate based on actual user feedback. This keeps momentum strong and can help organizations realize value sooner, making for an MVP in every sense of the word.
Embrace Continuous Improvement
Microsoft Dynamics 365 applications, in particular Dynamics 365 Finance, follow the One Version service update model: quarterly releases, extended servicing windows, and the expectation that customers adopt at least two updates annually. This model creates a continuous improvement culture that requires proactive testing, planning, and lifecycle governance—not “once‑and‑done” thinking.
“ERP is a journey, not a destination.”
Unlock Value With ERP‑Native AI
Similar to the overall influx of artificial intelligence (AI), there also is an emerging shift from “systems of record” to “systems of intelligence.” In Dynamics 365 Finance, the Account Reconciliation Agent automates subledger-to-ledger matching, identifies exceptions, and recommends corrective actions. These capabilities reduce manual work and accelerate close cycles.
Meanwhile, the Microsoft Copilot variance analysis feature uses AI to highlight key variances, identify drivers, and generate narrative explanations, helping finance teams gain insights quickly and consistently.
The key here is to start with low‑investment, high‑impact use cases to build adoption before expanding to more advanced areas.
How Forvis Mazars Can Help Support ERP Implementation
If your organization is weighing an ERP upgrade or needs to course‑correct a program already in flight, our team can help you design a people‑first, benefits‑driven road map and offer steady value from day one. Connect with professionals at Forvis Mazars, and we will follow up to discuss your goals and next steps.
Watch our on-demand webinar, “The Resurgence of Manufacturing: Year in Review & What’s Next,” for more information on ERP implementation and related topics.
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