This has to be one of the most ironic situations. IT resisting ERP customization? There could be three reasons for this I can think of: 1) They’re overwhelmed with conflicting priorities. 2) They know customization will add more to their workload. 3) They’re concerned about deviating from standards. Let’s be real, though: IT’s role is to support the business, not block necessary upgrades or customizations. With the right communication and management skills, all these concerns can be resolved. At the end of the day, IT should enable business growth, not block it.

In similar situations, I’ve found that clear communication and collaboration are key. I focus on showing IT how the proposed customization will enhance efficiency and compliance, ultimately benefiting the business as a whole. Engaging both IT and sales in the discussion helps ensure all concerns are addressed early on. I also suggest phased rollouts, so the impact on IT resources is manageable while we achieve the necessary changes for the sales team.

When facing IT pushback on customizing ERP for sales, I make sure to clearly communicate the benefits. I outline how the changes will boost sales and overall business performance. Involving both sales and IT stakeholders early on helps build collaboration and understanding. Offering phased implementations or smaller projects as compromises can ease IT's concerns while still moving forward with customization.

When IT resists ERP customization for sales, emphasize the shared goal: business success. Start by explaining how the customization will help sales teams close deals faster, increasing revenue. Offer a compromise by proposing phased, low-risk changes. Use real data from past projects showing how similar adjustments improved operations. Involve IT in solution design, so they feel ownership, not burden. Assure them that you'll support testing and minimize disruptions, turning resistance into collaboration for a smoother transition.

Start by facilitating open discussions where IT can explain their concerns, such as system stability or long-term maintenance. Meanwhile, the sales team should clarify the business impact of their customization needs. Seek common ground by aligning customizations with overall business goals and exploring scalable, low-risk solutions. If needed, propose phased implementation or sandbox testing to address IT's concerns. Collaboration and compromise, along with a focus on business value, can help bridge the gap and move the project forward.