Most teams go into an ERP software implementation expecting it to make things easier. In many ways, it does. Systems become more connected, reporting improves, and decisions come faster. But between kick-off and launch, there’s plenty that can hit the brakes. Not everything that delays a project shows up on the original timeline. Some slowdowns are unavoidable. Others come down to how well the work is planned before things get moving.
The better we understand where these common hang-ups happen, the more likely we are to catch them early. That’s why it's helpful to look closer at what typically causes ERP software implementation delays and what those delays can look like in real situations.
Why the Planning Phase Takes Longer Than Expected
Planning an ERP rollout might seem like a simple step, but it often stretches out longer than anyone anticipated. Most teams start with a clear goal, but actually turning that goal into a working system isn’t so simple.
- Mapping out current workflows usually takes more time than teams expect. Sometimes these processes aren’t fully documented or are different depending on the department.
- Trying to get alignment between managers, leadership, and IT can lead to long decision cycles. If no one takes ownership early, needed calls keep getting pushed down the line.
- When scope starts to shift, such as with added features or changing business needs, this step can slow down even more. Every change ripples across the project plan.
It’s not that people aren’t working hard during this phase. There’s just a lot to untangle before any real building begins. As we highlight on our ERP services page, every new project starts with a deep dive into client workflows and business requirements to avoid future surprises.
Many teams underestimate how much informal knowledge is involved in everyday operations. When it comes time to put these details into formal documentation, smaller steps get missed. The result is a longer planning period as gaps get discovered one by one. Early discussions should focus on teasing out these details instead of rushing to the next step.
Poor Data Prep Can Stop Everything Cold
Old data systems might do the job for a while, but they're rarely clean or up to date. Once we start prepping for a system change, that becomes clear fast.
- Figuring out what data to move, what to leave out, and where to put it in the new system can feel like a puzzle missing half its pieces.
- Legacy software doesn’t always export clean files. We run into weird formats, rows that don’t fit, and entries scattered across systems.
- Manually correcting duplicates or gaps takes time. Each adjustment calls for checks to make sure it won’t throw off the system later.
If the data foundation isn’t solid, the setup phase gets messy. The system can’t go live until these issues are sorted out, even if everything else is ready.
Many companies are surprised by how many duplicate entries or fragmented records they find once data migration begins. Simple details like inconsistent date formats or missing values can require lengthy fixes. Planning extra time for review, cleanup, and mapping avoids last-minute setbacks that can easily stall an otherwise on-schedule rollout. Fixing these before hands-on configuration preserves momentum and keeps the project moving forward.
Integration With Current Tools Hits Unexpected Walls
ERP systems are supposed to bring everything together, but they don’t always play nice with what’s already in use. Integration becomes one of the biggest unknowns.
- Teams often find out too late that certain apps, platforms, or databases won’t sync without extra help.
- Creating connections between tools can take weeks, especially if development work is needed or third-party software gets involved.
- If IT support isn’t looped in from the start, fixing these disconnects means more meetings, more tickets, more waiting.
Even tools that worked okay in isolation can suddenly cause confusion once linked to the new system. It creates blind spots that only show up once things are halfway built. Our integration services are designed to help businesses with these challenges, providing solutions that connect ERP systems with third-party applications and legacy platforms.
Sometimes, teams rely on manual processes or temporary workarounds to keep multiple tools working together before launch. This can lead to complicated processes that break once everything is supposed to work as a single system. Early identification of all required integrations, with clear diagrams and process steps, keeps the transition from creating new headaches. Careful scheduling and coordination with internal and external IT partners can also reduce disruption.
Team Training and Adoption Hold Back Progress
The system might be ready, but the people using it are what really drive ERP success. Without training and clear communication, the rollout hits resistance.
- Getting everyone to learn a new process in the middle of busy season isn't easy. Winter makes it harder. Staff might be spread thin with holiday plans, travel delays, or backlogs from year-end work.
- Training can’t be rushed, and not everyone picks it up at the same pace. A few hesitant users can create a long tail of small errors and slow response times.
- Some employees stick with old habits. That split between what the ERP expects and what people do by default leads to clunky handoffs.
The work doesn’t stop just because a new system launches. Unless the transition is supported, you end up doing double the effort.
Building in time for follow-up questions and refresher sessions helps users gain real confidence. Giving users hands-on practice with realistic data and sample scenarios leads to smoother adoption. If staff see how the new processes fit their daily work, they become more likely to let go of old routines and adopt the new system. Sharing tips, quick-reference guides, and peer support also helps with momentum.
Last-Minute Configuration Changes Stack Up
Late-stage requests are common. As leadership sees how the system is shaping up, they often ask for new features, reports, or tweaks.
- Adding new fields, modules, or dashboards might seem simple, but even small changes touch other parts of the setup. That means testing, adjusting, and confirming nothing else breaks.
- Sometimes departments ask for changes at the same time, without realizing how they affect one another. That overlap grows fast if no one tracks the full picture.
- The more custom work added late, the longer final testing and review will take. Sudden changes can derail go-live plans that were otherwise on track.
Every modification eats into time that was meant for stabilizing the system and building comfort with it. On our ERP software page, we recommend locking project requirements early and offering phased upgrades to minimize late-stage complications.
When changes start stacking up in the final weeks, the rollout process goes from stable to uncertain. Small custom features can create ripple effects across entire modules, leading to extra testing cycles. Project managers can encourage leadership to prioritize must-have changes for immediate launch, with less urgent requests scheduled as future upgrades. This keeps final preparations focused on stability.
Take Control of Your Timeline
We’ve seen how ERP software implementation can get bogged down by planning gaps, tangled data, disconnected systems, and late process changes. Most of these problems don’t happen because people aren’t working hard. They happen because there wasn’t enough space built into the schedule to handle them.
By understanding where ERP work can slow, our team can build smarter plans and set realistic expectations. Getting hands-on support, taking time for discovery, and making decisions early keeps the project on track so you get back to business sooner.
Ready for a Smoother ERP Implementation?
At Kodershop, we understand the challenges that come with transitioning to new systems, where careful planning and coordination are important for success. Taking the time to map out your project thoughtfully can help you avoid common obstacles and make the process smoother from start to finish. See how we support every stage of ERP software implementation and connect with our team to get started.