ERP system implementation can bring systems and teams together under one roof, but it often comes with more challenges than business owners expect. We usually picture things running smoother once the new platform is up and running. What we don’t always plan for are the setbacks that happen when key steps are skipped or rushed. Delays, errors, and hidden problems can all appear when the system goes live and everyone is under pressure.
These problems usually don't come from bad intentions. They show up when we’re moving fast and trying to handle too much at once. Below, we’ll go through some of the most common issues that get overlooked before or during ERP implementation and how we can stay one step ahead by spotting them early.
Ignoring Internal Readiness
One of the easiest things to miss is our team’s readiness. When we focus only on features and timelines, it’s easy to overlook whether the people who will use the system are actually prepared.
- If our current processes aren’t documented clearly, the setup stalls while we try to explain them
- When teams don’t understand the “why” behind the change, it’s tougher to get buy-in
- Skipping early prep can lead to confusion, mistakes, and tool resistance once the system is live
We’ve found that spending time upfront to walk through existing workflows, clean up any messy habits, and start the conversation with our staff makes everything move quicker once the software setup starts. A smooth rollout starts long before the software install.
Underestimating Data Cleanup
Old data has a way of creeping into new systems when we don’t take the time to deal with it. That might include duplicate customer records, outdated inventory numbers, or misclassified vendors.
- When this dirty data gets imported, it slows the entire launch process
- It becomes harder to trust the system when people spot errors right away
- Cleaning data after implementation adds stress when teams are already adjusting
We don’t need to fix every bit of historic data, but we do need to make sure what we bring over is clean and organized. A clear structure helps get rid of clutter and gives staff confidence in the platform from day one. It’s slower at the beginning but pays off quickly once the platform is live.
Overcomplicating the First Setup
It's pretty common for businesses to want every feature rolled out right away. We want the full value from the tool, which makes sense, but loading up every module on day one can overwhelm teams.
- Extra features mean more setup work, more testing, and more training
- Teams get bogged down by learning too much at once, which slows adoption
- Early mistakes snowball when the system is too complex for day-to-day needs
Instead, we aim for a phased approach. Start with the tools we actually use every day, get comfortable, then expand. Keeping it simple gives us a stable foundation and leaves room for learning without burning out our staff.
Skipping Small Process Reviews
Planning tends to focus on the big workflows, like order processing and billing, but it’s often the small, day-to-day steps that trip us up after go-live.
- Things like reprinting receipts, logging damaged goods, or sending credits to vendors don’t always get mapped
- These missing steps leave gaps and force teams back into workarounds
- When small tasks aren't considered, trust in the system drops fast
We’ve run into this before. Catching these gaps early means asking our end users what they do in a normal week, not just what the system should track. Those extra steps may feel small, but they help shape a system that actually works under pressure.
Lacking a Post-Launch Transition Plan
Once the ERP system goes live, we’re not finished. That’s often when the real work begins. Systems always uncover new problems once people start using them in real-time.
- Data might not behave the way we expected
- Teams often have more questions once they apply the system to their daily work
- There’s usually a need for quick tweaks, minor fixes, and extra support
This is why we set aside time and resources for the transition period, not just approval and setup. Scheduling weekly check-ins, tracking feedback, and giving users a place to report issues helps us avoid a last-minute scramble. A clear follow-up plan lowers user frustration and builds confidence in the system.
Expert Guidance to Avoid Missed Details
At Kodershop, we specialize in ERP system implementation for a wide range of industries, helping clients lay strong project foundations while delivering full-cycle consulting, migration, and integration. With experience in automating complex workflows and supporting remote collaboration for distributed teams across the United States and beyond, our approach tackles issues before they spiral. We prioritize documenting workflows, data cleaning, and user-focused planning in every engagement.
Steady Systems Begin With Careful Start Points
A successful ERP system implementation is about more than flipping a switch. It depends on what we do before, during, and after the tool is built. If we take the time to review our processes, clean our data, simplify our first steps, and listen to the people who use the system, we give ourselves a better shot at a strong rollout.
We don’t need to go faster. We need to go smarter. Making time to prepare early for these common challenges doesn’t slow us down; it keeps us from getting stuck later. Better planning today means cleaner systems, smoother adoption, and less stress once everything goes live.
Careful planning is important for a successful implementation, and even small challenges addressed early can make a big difference down the line. We know how missed details or disorganized data can slow progress. When it’s time to move forward with your ERP system implementation, let Kodershop help you avoid common pitfalls and set your project up for success. Reach out today to start planning with confidence.