Custom ERP services are supposed to fix complicated problems by making systems work better together. But sometimes, they add new problems when the setup doesn’t go as planned. We’ve noticed this happens more than most people expect. The good news is, these problems aren’t random. They tend to show up in similar ways, again and again.
Figuring out where projects fall apart helps keep them from repeating the same mistakes. That means fewer delays, smoother launches, and less frustration across the company. When people know what to watch for, they can make smarter choices about timing, resources, and who gets involved.
Lack of Early Input from Key Users
One of the easiest traps to fall into is leaving out the people who actually use the system every day. That first planning phase often leans heavily toward management and IT, with lists of features and goals that look good on paper. But real workflows don’t always follow written rules.
When the people who do the day-to-day work aren’t asked for input early, important needs get missed. A task that takes four clicks in the current system might take ten in the new one, just because someone didn’t know how the job is really done. And fixes made after launch usually cost more—in time, effort, and morale.
The better approach is to include voices from across different teams early in the process. Talk to the person inputting orders, not just the one tracking the numbers. The more real-world context you gather ahead of time, the more likely the system will fit naturally into how work actually happens. That makes adoption smoother and user frustration lower.
Overscoping Before the Foundation Is Ready
A common cause of trouble is trying to do too much at once. We all want a system that does everything—handles procurement, manages payroll, produces reports, and ties it all together neatly. But the smarter way is to slow down and focus on what works now, then build from there.
Overscoping looks like planning every feature right from day one, without checking if the base setup can handle it. When that happens, teams end up designing around guesses instead of real data. And when the launch date finally arrives, they meet delays or features that don’t work right.
It’s okay to think big. In fact, it’s smart to sketch out the long-term vision. But the real value comes from building step by step. Start with what’s essential for daily use. Let the system get tested in real business conditions. Once that’s running well and people are comfortable, build in the next piece.
Misunderstanding Existing Processes
Sometimes trouble shows up because the plan is based on how people think the work should go, not how it really does. It’s common for a diagram or workflow chart to show a neat, simple process. But in practice, there are always side steps, workarounds, and those “just for now” solutions that have become permanent.
For example, a warehouse manager might jot down order numbers on sticky notes, even though there’s software meant to track them. Why? The system might be too slow or hard to use. These little habits tell you something important—the tools don’t always match the job.
When mapping out current processes, it’s worth spending time watching and asking instead of assuming. What might look broken from the top might actually make perfect sense from the ground. That knowledge makes it easier to spot where a new ERP system can help, without dragging in new problems by accident.
Overreliance on Custom Code
With custom ERP services, it’s tempting to write fresh code for every unique problem. That feels like a faster answer, especially when you’re working with a mix of teams and priorities. But too much customization early on can lock a system into patterns that are hard to untangle later.
There’s a difference between smart customization and overbuilding. Writing flexible tools that can grow with the company is different from hard-coding every request to fit today’s exact process. We’ve seen cases where bending the software too tightly to current habits left no room for change when the business grew or shifted gears.
Early on, it helps to ask whether the request is a short-term need or a long-term pattern. If it’s the former, maybe wait. If it’s the latter, build it in a way that can stretch and shift as needed. A more thoughtful plan upfront gives the system space to breathe later.
Shortcuts on Testing and Training
Testing isn’t just about checking if a system runs—it’s about making sure it works the way people expect. If that part gets rushed or skipped, small problems often snowball. Maybe a screen doesn’t load the right drop-down, or a button is in the wrong place. These seem small, but they slow people down and lead to mistakes.
Skipping training makes this even worse. If users don’t get enough time with the new system before launch, they lean on old habits, lose trust in the new setup, and report more issues. That leads to more fix requests and lower confidence across teams.
The better route is to break up testing and training into smaller chunks. Let teams try tools in real-life settings before the full go-live. Walk through a normal day or a real order and see how it goes. Then answer the questions while they’re small and fresh, not when the phone’s ringing and deadlines are tight.
Kodershop addresses this by running user pilots and UAT (User Acceptance Testing) earlier, plus offers modular training that is timed to each team’s real work schedules.
Building for Clarity, Not Complexity
ERP doesn’t have to feel heavy. At its best, it lightens the load and lets teams focus on their work instead of the system. But that only happens when the process from start to finish makes sense. That means clear goals, clear roles, and steady pacing.
Too often, ERP projects run into trouble because there’s too much noise. Too many features too fast, too many opinions too late, or too many changes without warning. That kind of confusion makes people second-guess the process or feel left out of decisions that affect their jobs.
Keeping things simple takes effort. But it works. It means checking in early, slowing down when needed, and choosing what matters most at each stage. And when we get that right, the project doesn’t just succeed—it sticks. People trust it. They use it. And the business moves forward with fewer bumps and better flow.
At Kodershop, we work with companies to plan smarter and move more confidently through every stage of change, starting with honest conversations and simple, practical steps. Taking a closer look at how custom ERP services fit into your goals might be the next move that keeps things on track without adding new roadblocks.