Would suggest taking end users into confidence first. Success of an ERP depends on its actual usage. Suggest to have open mind in acknowledging this fact. Need a way around to accommodate unforeseen business scenarios. Be open to integrate with other bespoke / products, if any. Identify and keep a good Coach who can keep motivating the team thru the tough times of implementation by focusing on the future benefits. Implementing ERP is like constructing a bridge. Need to go thru lot of pain first to gain later. Be careful to ensure that no pain no gain is clearly communicated. Quick fix and handling the initial & stabilisation phase is extremely crucial. Aspects of insecurity can’t be underestimated. Alternative roles maybe communicated.

When assessing whether or not you should customize your ERP solution, follow this 5 step process: 1. Assess if the requirement that is driving a customization request can actually be met in the OOTB product. If so, leverage OOTB and don’t move to step 2. 2. Assess if the process in question can be modified to work OOTB. If so, mold the process and don’t move to step 3. 3. Assess if you can eliminate the process. Try to understand if the process / requirement is actually creating value or not. If you can eliminate, don’t move to step 4. 4. Assess if you can leverage a 3rd party ISV solution. It is always better for someone else to manage the code. If you fine one suitable, don’t move to step 5. 5. Customize.

In an ever changing world, it’s easy to say “clean core” and “be standard” but it’s easier said than done. As always people, process and systems come in order. The people have to be prepped using the change management processes (Prosci is my fav) before the processes are standardized using industry specific processes (best practices) and then use the system functionality (bummer that many industry processes are not built in to many of the standard ERP systems) there are frameworks such as TOGAF which can help build the architecture. Please note that stakeholders have their own vested interests and that in my experience has been the primary reason for extra customizations