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How Long Does It Take to Implement an ERP?

How Long Does It Take to Implement an ERP?

Implementing an ERP in your business is in some ways like trying to renovate your house while you’re living in it. That’s because an ERP implementation will affect core processes in your business for months while you are still operating it. 

This makes implementation speed a critical factor to consider when choosing an ERP provider to avoid disruption to your business and keep your employees happy. 

How Long Should You Budget for an ERP Implementation?

An ERP implementation typically lasts anywhere between 6 and 21 months. However, that may vary depending on the size of the business, the ERP provider, and the level of customization needed to implement the system.

Generally speaking, small to mid-sized businesses require between six and twelve months to fully implement an ERP, whereas large firms with multiple projects may need up to 21 months.

However, it’s not rare to hear that implementations take longer than that—or worse, fail to be completed.

Take, for example, the ERP implementation of Lidl, a global leader in supermarket chains. Their story is well-known across the industry as one of the longest implementations ever to occur. The company attempted to implement its ERP solution in 2011. However, due to mismatched features, the company had no choice but to abandon the implementation—a shocking seven years later.

Other notable cases of delayed or failed implementations in the industry include MillerCoors and Hershey’s.

What Key Factors Influence the Time It Takes to Implement an ERP?nt  an ERP?

The duration of an ERP implementation depends on several factors, primarily:

  • Size of the Organization

Since small businesses tend to have fewer intricate systems and processes, as well as smaller teams, the implementation process tends to be faster.

For example, implementing an ERP for multi-entity businesses—which require various sub-brands to sync together—might take significantly longer due to the complexities involved.

  • Customization

Not every business operates the same way. Even within the same industry, two businesses may have distinct processes.

The more an organization wants to tweak the original software to fit its processes, the longer it will take to implement the ERP system—as highlighted by Lidl’s failed implementation.

  • Cloud-Based or On-Premise ERP

ERPs can be deployed in two ways: cloud-based or on-premise. The key difference between on-premise and cloud ERP is the delivery model. 

On-premise ERP requires the installation of hardware and services on-premises, leading to high upfront costs and ongoing maintenance. The installation of hardware needed to support the ERP system can lead to delayed and complex implementation timelines.

In contrast, a cloud ERP is hosted by an ERP provider. In other words, it does not require you to set up servers or specialized hardware. All your business needs is a computer with internet access as ERP can be accessed from anywhere and at any time using a browser like Chrome or Safari.

Cloud ERPs like Xledger provide greater flexibility, scalability, cost savings, and faster implementation timelines.

You can read more about the benefits of a cloud-based ERP system like Xledger here.

  • ERP Provider

Not all ERP providers service their customers in the same way during the implementation process. In fact, it’s estimated that close to 75% of all ERP implementations fail with nearly 55% failing to achieve their goals.

These alarming statistics underscore the importance of choosing a reliable ERP partner like Xledger. That’s because our method boasts a 99% success rate as it simplifies ERP deployment into a clear and systematic framework.

Schedule a demo today and discover how Xledger can accelerate your ERP implementation.

How Xledger Accelerates the ERP Implementation Process

Most businesses don’t have 6 to 21 months to allow their operations to be disrupted by the implementation of their ERP system. That’s why, at Xledger, our expert ERP analysts developed the Xledger Implementation Methodology (XIM).

XIM is a smart implementation process designed to deploy the system in record time and with minimal disruption to your business. 

The path follows seven project management processes, six implementation phases, and five workstreams to deliver a streamlined, efficient, and reliable implementation.

The XIM methodology accelerates the implementation of your ERP by breaking down the process into six well-defined phases that ensure a structured rollout and smooth transition. Those phases include:

  • Planning

This is the first phase of XIM, which consists of carrying out initial assessments, setting clear goals, and defining key project parameters.

  • Analysis and Design

Following the planning phase, this stage of the methodology involves a deep dive into your business processes to identify needs and challenges. 

Once the full scope is grasped, a tailored ERP solution is designed based on your business’s operational needs.

  • Implementation

At this stage, Xledger ERP is configured and tailored to align with your organization’s workflows, accounting structures, and integrations. 

  • Testing and Verification

After implementation, our experts conduct comprehensive testing to ensure the ERP system is fully operational. This will ensure the software is ready and fully operational before going live.

This stage is critical for preventing post-launch disruptions and ensuring your business processes run smoothly.

  • Go-Live and Follow-Up

This is the phase when the system is officially launched and another area where the Xledger team excels above industry standards. 

During this stage of the implementation, our team will provide active support for early users and make any necessary adjustments and optimizations. This ensures your processes will run smoothly after a final handover of the system is given.

  • Close

Last but not least, it’s the wrap-up of the project. At this stage of Xledger’s accelerated implementation methodology, our ERP analysts will hand over the system to your business.

Accelerating Your Implementation with Xledger

Implementing an ERP has never been this quick and easy. With Xledger’s implementation methodology, businesses of all sizes can take advantage of quick and organized implementations.

Our team boasts a 99% ERP implementation success rate, giving you peace and confidence that your ERP deployment is in good hands.

As a leading ERP online system in the United States, Xledger is designed to help accounting teams automate their processes and streamline their operations for speed and agility. Our ERP software delivers fast, accurate, compliant, and cost-effective results for modern finance teams and busy CFOs.

Schedule a demo today and discover how Xledger can transform your business.

Curious About What Else Xledger Can Do For Your Business?

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