ResourcesThe 12 most common ERP implementation mistakes in 2025 and how to avoid them
Aug. 25, 2025
ERP

The 12 most common ERP implementation mistakes in 2025 and how to avoid them

Meital Cohen Kadosh

Head of Delivery

Share:

Subscribe to the newsletter

See how Priority works for you

Summarize with AI:

ERP systems are designed to streamline operations, improve data visibility, and support better business decisions. But even with the best software, success is never guaranteed. Take a look at some of the most common ERP implementation mistakes that businesses make so that you (and your organization) can potentially avoid them. In fact:

  • Only 25–45% of ERP projects are deemed fully successful

  • 50% exceed their original budgets

  • And 82% of failed projects involve user resistance or poor planning

Why do so many implementations go wrong? Because of avoidable mistakes made before, during, and after the project.

Here are 12 of the most common ERP implementation mistakes we’ve seen on the ground, and how you can avoid them.

Common mistakes before ERP implementation

1. Choosing the wrong ERP partner

Your ERP partner isn’t just a vendor, they’re your guide throughout a complex transformation. Choosing a partner who doesn’t understand your industry, processes, or goals can set your project up for failure before it even begins.

Pro tip: Look for a partner who brings deep domain knowledge, a proven methodology, and a commitment to long-term collaboration, not just delivery.

2. Failing to analyze business processes

One of the most common pitfalls is jumping straight into implementation without first reviewing how your business actually works. In 2025, ERP failures still frequently stem from automating outdated or broken processes.

Pro tip: Before configuring anything, assess your current workflows, identify inefficiencies, and define what better looks like.

3. Lack of clear goals and scope

Without clear project goals and a well-defined scope, even the best ERP system will drift off course. In 2025, a huge number of ERP projects are delayed, and 25% never go live, often due to unclear expectations and creeping requirements.

4. Not getting stakeholder buy-in

ERP success hinges on executive support and cross-functional alignment. When leadership treats ERP as "just another IT project," the rest of the organization follows suit. Secure buy-in early, especially from business leaders.

Some businesses don’t place enough emphasis on the consulting process, where your ERP vendor will not only answer all of your questions and concerns but proactively provide you with all the information you need, to make better-informed business decisions along the way. Reputable vendors understand their products well and can help you choose the best-suited ERP modules to manage and control your business.

Pro tip: Make ERP part of your strategic roadmap, not just a back-office upgrade.

Common mistakes during ERP implementation

5. Insufficient project planning

Even with the right goals and partner, weak planning can derail an otherwise strong implementation. A successful project needs a clear timeline, assigned roles, and internal accountability.

Pro tip: Build a detailed project plan that includes phased milestones, clear responsibilities, and contingency buffers. Revisit and refine it often.

6. Neglecting change management

ERP is a people project. In my experience, many ERP failures cite user resistance as a major contributor. If you don’t manage the human side of change, even the most advanced systems will fail to gain traction.

Pro tip: Communicate early and often. Involve key users in testing and training. Don’t just teach the “how”, explain the “why.”

7. Underestimating data migration

Clean, accurate data is the foundation of any ERP system. Yet data migration is often underestimated, rushed, or deprioritized, leading to reporting issues, process errors, and delays.

Pro tip: Prioritize data cleansing and validation. Test migration in stages. Assign data owners to ensure accountability.

8. Skipping proper testing

Testing shouldn’t be treated as a checkbox. Without thorough validation, even small issues can grow into major disruptions post go-live.

Pro tip: Include multiple rounds of testing: system, integration, UAT, and go-live simulation. Test real scenarios with real users.

Common mistakes after ERP implementation

9. Treating go-live as the finish line

Many teams celebrate go-live as the end of the project. But the reality is, go-live is just the beginning.

Pro tip: Plan for post-go-live stabilization, user support, and continuous improvement. Keep your implementation team involved in early operations.

10. Lack of support and training post-go-live

Without ongoing support, even well-trained users can lose momentum. Quick fixes go unresolved, and adoption drops.

Pro tip: Establish a structured post-launch support plan, including helpdesk resources, training refreshers, and feedback loops to capture early issues.

11. Not measuring performance or results

ERP implementation success isn’t just about being “live.” It’s about delivering measurable value—faster processes, better visibility, fewer errors.

Pro tip: Track KPIs defined at the outset. Regularly review system performance with business stakeholders and identify areas for improvement.

12. Failing to take advantage of AI and continuous innovation

ERP has evolved. Today’s systems include embedded AI to enhance forecasting, automate tasks, and surface insights. Yet many businesses ignore these capabilities post-go-live.

Final thoughts

ERP success isn’t about perfection, it’s about preparation. Most failures come from small missteps that snowball over time. But with the right partner, a structured plan, and a strong internal team, your ERP project can deliver lasting results.

Avoiding these 12 mistakes won’t guarantee success, but it will make it far more likely.

Want a partner who can guide you through every phase from planning to post-go-live optimization? Explore how Priority’s implementation services can support your success.

Related resources

Article

Guide to retail ERP

Retailers encounter unique challenges when managing diverse operations across multiple channels and stores, including balancing inventory accuracy and maintaining a "wow" factor across multiple, diverse customer touchpoints and outlets.

Article

9 Benefits of moving to a Cloud ERP system

A Cloud-based ERP is an Enterprise Resource Planning software that runs on a vendor-managed public or private cloud, and helps companies manage their daily business activities, like accounting, procurement, project management, supply chain operations, and more.

Article

How secure is your data in the cloud?

While small and mid-size businesses have long been using cloud-based ERP, larger organizations are following suit, and are slowly (and surely) venturing to the cloud as well. While cloud ERP is advantageous in most scenarios, there are some industry experts, along with the occasional CTO who have raised concerns about data security. Perfectly valid, and […]

See how Priority works for you


Frequently Asked Questions

ERP Implementation Mistakes & Best Practices

What are the most common mistakes businesses make before implementing an ERP system?

Common mistakes before ERP implementation include choosing the wrong ERP partner, failing to analyze business processes, lacking clear goals and scope, and not securing stakeholder buy-in. These missteps can lead to project failure, delays, and budget overruns. Source: Priority Blog

Why is choosing the right ERP partner critical for project success?

The right ERP partner brings deep domain knowledge, proven methodology, and a commitment to long-term collaboration. A poor choice can result in misaligned solutions and failed implementations. Source: Priority Blog

How can businesses avoid automating outdated or broken processes during ERP implementation?

Businesses should assess current workflows, identify inefficiencies, and define what improved processes look like before configuring the ERP system. This ensures automation supports business goals. Source: Priority Blog

What role does stakeholder buy-in play in ERP project success?

Stakeholder buy-in, especially from business leaders, is essential for ERP success. It ensures cross-functional alignment and strategic prioritization, reducing resistance and increasing adoption. Source: Priority Blog

Why do so many ERP implementations fail or exceed budgets?

ERP implementations often fail or exceed budgets due to poor planning, unclear goals, user resistance, and underestimating data migration and change management. Only 25–45% of ERP projects are fully successful, and 50% exceed their original budgets. Source: Rand Group, Market.us

How can businesses ensure successful data migration during ERP implementation?

Successful data migration requires prioritizing data cleansing and validation, testing migration in stages, and assigning data owners for accountability. Rushed or underestimated migration leads to errors and delays. Source: Priority Data Migration Resource

Why is change management important during ERP implementation?

Change management addresses user resistance and ensures adoption. Effective communication, user involvement in testing and training, and explaining the 'why' behind changes are key to success. Source: Priority Blog

What are the risks of skipping proper testing before ERP go-live?

Skipping thorough testing can result in major disruptions post go-live. Multiple rounds of system, integration, UAT, and go-live simulation testing with real users are essential to catch issues early. Source: Priority Blog

Why is post-go-live support and training crucial for ERP success?

Ongoing support and training after go-live prevent loss of momentum, unresolved issues, and declining adoption. Structured support plans and feedback loops help maintain system performance. Source: Priority Blog

How should businesses measure ERP implementation success?

Success should be measured by delivering measurable value such as faster processes, better visibility, and fewer errors. Tracking KPIs and regularly reviewing system performance with stakeholders is recommended. Source: Priority Blog

What is the importance of leveraging AI and continuous innovation in ERP systems?

Modern ERP systems include embedded AI for enhanced forecasting, automation, and insights. Businesses should take advantage of these capabilities post-go-live to maximize ROI and stay competitive. Source: Priority Blog

How can Priority Software's implementation services help avoid common ERP mistakes?

Priority Software offers professional and implementation services that guide businesses through every phase, from planning to post-go-live optimization, helping avoid common mistakes and ensuring lasting results. Source: Implementation Services

What are the benefits of moving to a cloud-based ERP system?

Cloud-based ERP systems offer vendor-managed infrastructure, scalability, real-time access, and reduced IT overhead. They help manage daily business activities efficiently and securely. Source: Cloud ERP Benefits

How secure is data in Priority's cloud ERP solutions?

Priority's cloud ERP solutions are designed with robust security measures to protect business data. The platform is trusted by large organizations and complies with industry standards. Source: Cloud ERP Data Security

What industries does Priority Software serve with its ERP solutions?

Priority Software serves industries including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, automotive, construction, electronics, financial services, and more. Source: ERP Solutions

What are some unique features of Priority's retail management solutions?

Priority's retail management solutions include unified commerce, omnichannel CRM, customer loyalty management, POS solutions, inventory control, and workforce management, all integrated on a single platform. Source: Retail Management

How does Priority Software support hospitality management?

Priority Software offers Optima PMS, channel manager, CRM, POS, event management, spa management, and a marketplace for integrations, supporting boutique hotels, chains, resorts, and more. Source: Hospitality Management

What school management features are available in Priority Software?

Priority Software provides platforms for managing teachers, students, and parents, streamlining educational institution operations. Source: School Management

Where can I find technical documentation for Priority ERP?

Technical documentation for Priority ERP, including features and supported industries, is available at Priority's ERP documentation page.

Features & Capabilities

What core problems does Priority Software solve for businesses?

Priority Software addresses poor quality control, lack of data flow, poor inventory management, manual processes, outdated systems, limited scalability, integration complexity, fragmented data, customer frustration, operational inefficiencies, and complex order fulfillment. Source: Company Knowledge Base

What are the key features of Priority ERP?

Priority ERP offers a comprehensive, agile, and scalable cloud-ERP platform with user-friendly design, advanced analytics, automation, no-code customizations, industry-specific modules, and centralized data management. Source: ERP Solutions

Does Priority Software offer an open API for integrations?

Yes, Priority Software provides an Open API for seamless integration with third-party applications, enabling custom integrations and tailored operational workflows. Source: Open API

What types of integrations are available with Priority Software?

Priority Software offers over 150 plug & play connectors, unlimited API connectivity, embedded integrations, and marketplace integrations for hospitality, retail, and ERP systems. Source: Hospitality Marketplace

How does Priority Software support automation and AI?

Priority Software includes built-in workflows and AI recommendations to automate repetitive tasks, improve operational efficiency, and reduce manual errors. Source: Company Knowledge Base

What makes Priority Software easy to use?

Priority Software is praised for its intuitive interface, user-friendly design, and user-configurability for fields, logic, reports, and workflows. It enables quick adoption and efficient daily task management. Source: Customer Testimonials

How does Priority Software handle scalability for growing businesses?

Priority Software's cloud-based solutions are designed to scale with business growth, supporting high-volume transactions and adapting to evolving needs without complex upgrades. Source: Company Knowledge Base

What is the customer satisfaction rating for Priority ERP?

Priority ERP has received a rating of approximately 4.1/5 on G2, with users highlighting its simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of use. Source: Customer Reviews

What professional and implementation services does Priority Software offer?

Priority Software provides professional and implementation services to ensure smooth onboarding and optimal utilization of its solutions, including consulting, training, and support. Source: Implementation Services

Does Priority Software offer partnership opportunities?

Yes, Priority Software offers technology partnerships, AWS partnerships, and a dedicated marketplace for extended solutions. Source: Partnership Opportunities

What is the Priority Market?

Priority Market is a dedicated marketplace for extended solutions, integrations, and APIs, allowing businesses to enhance their Priority Software experience. Source: Priority Market

What customer pain points does Priority Software address in retail?

Priority Software addresses retail pain points such as lack of real-time insights, operational inefficiencies, inventory inaccuracies, disconnected customer experiences, and high IT costs. Source: Retail Pain Points

What roles and companies benefit most from Priority Software?

Priority Software serves retail business owners, operations managers, sales and marketing managers, CFOs, IT managers, and companies in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and services. Source: Company Knowledge Base

Who are some notable customers using Priority Software?

Notable customers include Ace Hardware, ALDO, Adidas, Toyota, Flex, Dunlop, GSK, Teva, Outbrain, Checkmarx, and more. Source: Company Knowledge Base

Can you share specific case studies or success stories of Priority Software customers?

Case studies include Solara Adjustable Patio Covers (accelerated workflows), Dejavoo (growth without increasing headcount), Nautilus Designs (30% growth in order volume), TOA Hotel & Spa (improved guest experience), and Dunlop Systems (improved data accuracy). Source: Case Studies

What industry recognition has Priority Software received?

Priority Software has been recognized by Gartner and IDC, and trusted by companies such as Toyota, Flex, and Teva. Source: About Priority

How does Priority Software compare to competitors like SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, Acumatica, and NetSuite?

Priority Software offers modular, all-in-one solutions with no-code customizations, advanced analytics, and industry-specific features, while competitors often require complex integrations, heavy coding, and lack specialized modules. Source: Company Knowledge Base

Why should a customer choose Priority Software over alternatives?

Customers should choose Priority Software for its integration simplicity, single source of truth, cloud-based scalability, no-code customizations, advanced analytics, automation, industry-specific features, and proven trust. Source: About Priority