The MVP Dilemma in ERP and SAP Development: Cleaning Up Before Redrawing

In today’s fast-paced world of software development, the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) has become a cornerstone. Whether you’ve seen the popular diagram where a skateboard evolves into a car or heard the mantra of “release early, release often,” the MVP strategy focuses on getting the most essential features into users' hands quickly. This approach has revolutionized how we think about product development, including in the complex world of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

For companies running large-scale ERP systems, including those powered by SAP, delivering solutions that meet core business needs as efficiently as possible is critical. The MVP approach can help by focusing on delivering a minimum but functional version of a product or feature, enabling faster rollouts. However, while the MVP method offers undeniable benefits in terms of speed and risk management, it is not without its challenges.

Too often, MVPs are delivered but remain stuck in their initial form—a "kick scooter" that never evolves into the "car" the business envisioned. In enterprise environments, where integrations, scalability, and user experience are paramount, this can create friction and inefficiencies that grow over time.

The Advantages of the MVP Approach

Before diving into the potential pitfalls, it’s important to recognize why the MVP strategy is so widely adopted, especially for organizations running complex systems like ERP:

1. Faster Time to Market: By focusing on core essentials, teams can deliver a functional product quickly, allowing ERP-driven businesses to address immediate operational needs or seize market opportunities early.
2. Immediate User Feedback: An MVP enables developers to get feedback on key features and validate ideas directly from users—whether they are internal users in a finance department or supply chain managers, allowing for more tailored and effective solutions.
3. Risk Reduction: In ERP-driven environments, where resource planning and business operations are tightly integrated, investing first in the most critical elements reduces the risk of large-scale project failures. By validating key assumptions early, businesses avoid wasting resources on unnecessary or unused features.

These advantages make the MVP strategy a go-to method for many teams, particularly in environments where agility and speed are essential. However, there are hidden challenges that arise when MVPs aren’t given the attention they need post-launch.

The Hidden Problems with MVPs

The true challenge with MVPs isn't in delivering the initial version, it’s in what happens next. Too often, teams focus on the next big project without fully refining or completing the initial MVP, which leads to several problems, especially in ERP environments:

1. Incomplete MVPs Become Permanent: In many cases, the MVP is released but never properly revisited. The initial "version one" may solve a core business problem, but without refinements, users are left with a solution that feels awkward or incomplete. In ERP systems, this can result in workflows that don’t fully optimize processes or lack the flexibility to scale with the business.
2. Lack of Follow-Through: Once the MVP is in the hands of users, there’s often a rush to move on to the next feature or project. This leaves critical follow-up work—such as integrating with other ERP modules or refining user interfaces, unfinished, causing operational friction. Disconnected or underdeveloped experiences can negatively impact efficiency and adoption within the company.
3. Disjointed User Experiences: In ERP systems where different teams or departments rely on interconnected features, incomplete MVPs can create inconsistent workflows and missing functionality. This results in users experiencing frustration and reduced productivity, especially when their systems don’t work seamlessly together.

So, how do you avoid these pitfalls while still leveraging the power of the MVP approach?

How to Maximize the Impact of Your MVP: Clean Up Before Redrawing

One key principle for getting the most out of your MVP is the concept of "cleaning up before redrawing." In other words, take time to refine and improve the initial MVP before rushing off to build new features. This approach emphasizes the importance of polishing what’s been built and ensuring the product’s foundations are strong before moving forward. Here’s how companies, especially those running ERP systems, can implement this principle:

1. Commit to Post-MVP Refinements: After the MVP is released, it’s tempting to consider the project "done" and shift focus to new features or projects. However, dedicating resources to post-launch improvements ensures that the MVP doesn’t become a half-finished product that’s difficult to scale or improve later. For ERP-driven companies, this might mean ensuring that key integrations between finance, HR, or supply chain modules are seamless and functional.
2. Clean Up Before Adding More: Before layering on new features, take time to refine the MVP’s existing functionality. This could mean improving user flows, enhancing the user interface, fixing bugs, or even rethinking certain features based on user feedback. In ERP systems, where efficiency and data accuracy are paramount, cleaning up before redrawing ensures that operational processes aren’t hindered by incomplete functionalities.
3. Clear Communication on Scope: One of the challenges in MVP development is managing expectations. Teams and stakeholders need to understand why the product was delivered in its current form and what the plan is for future iterations. Clear communication about the MVP's scope, what it is and what it isn't, can help align everyone on the next steps and ensure there’s a commitment to refining and expanding the product.
4. Balance Speed with Sustainability: The essence of the MVP is speed, but long-term success requires a balance between rapid delivery and thoughtful refinement. Rushing through projects without completing the necessary follow-up work can lead to inefficiencies that are much harder to correct later. In ERP systems, this is particularly important, as poorly executed MVPs can affect everything from daily operations to long-term scalability. Investing a bit more time now will save significant resources in the future by reducing support costs, improving user satisfaction, and ensuring scalability.

Conclusion: The Key to MVP Success in ERP-Driven Companies

In today’s dynamic development environments, the MVP approach is an essential tool for getting products to market quickly and efficiently. For businesses running large ERP systems, where adaptability and scalability are key, the MVP can help address immediate needs while laying the groundwork for future growth. However, speed should not come at the cost of long-term sustainability.

By embracing the principle of "cleaning up before redrawing," development teams can avoid the common pitfalls of incomplete MVPs and build solutions that are not only functional but refined, cohesive, and scalable. The true power of the MVP lies not just in its ability to deliver quickly, but in the commitment to improving it once it’s in users' hands.

Taking the time to clean up before moving on can transform a good MVP into a great one, ensuring long-term success and better user experiences across the enterprise.