ERP Discussions Start Wrong: Features vs. Reality
Most ERP discussions start in the wrong place.
They start with features.
They start with vendors.
They start with demos.
But they rarely start with the foundation.
Before you invest in ERP, I’ve learned to ask three questions:
1. Are our core processes clearly defined — or are we relying on tribal knowledge?
2. Is our data trustworthy — BOMs, inventory, lead times, costing?
3. Are leaders prepared to enforce discipline when the system exposes gaps?
Here’s what I’ve seen:
If the foundation isn’t steady, a new system doesn’t fix it.
It scales the instability.
ERP is not a rescue plan.
It’s a mirror.
When companies slow down long enough to answer these three questions honestly, the implementation conversation changes completely.
What would you add to this list?
