Why ERP Projects Really Fail (And How to Get Them Right)
Guest article by Anshul Agarwal, CFO & Board Member - Akkodis
Most ERP projects don’t fail because of bad software.
They fail because companies try to build a skyscraper… without first laying the foundation.
Here’s how to get ERP right:
👉 Start with the WHY.
Don’t install a system just because it’s shiny.
Ask - what pain are we solving?
It’s like going to the gym - you need a clear goal: lose weight, build muscle, or gain stamina.
Your ‘why’ decides the workout plan.
👉 Define the WHAT.
Picture success before you begin.
Is success faster closing, real-time dashboards, or zero manual reconciliations?
It’s like painting a canvas - you need to know the picture before picking colors.
👉 Focus on the WHO.
ERP is 80% about people, 20% about tech.
If you don’t involve the teams early, they’ll quietly go back to Excel.
Think of it like designing a house - you wouldn’t choose the interiors without asking the people who’ll live there.
👉 Nail the HOW.
Don’t try to renovate the entire house overnight.
Roll out in phases, celebrate small wins, build confidence, then scale.
ERP success is like cooking —
get the recipe right with Why, What, Who, and How…
and you’ll serve a dish everyone loves.
Miss one ingredient, and the meal may look perfect but won’t taste right.
