Enterprise resource planning systems can make or break a company’s growth trajectory, yet most implementations fail to deliver on their promises. The difference often lies not in the technology itself, but in how organizations approach the transformation process. John Lutz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Open Source Integrators, has spent two decades helping companies navigate these complex waters successfully.
Why Most ERP Projects Fail Before They Start
Lutz has seen enough train wrecks to know what works and what doesn’t. Companies jump straight to picking software without figuring out what they actually need. “I spent the last two decades helping organizations modernize operations, streamlining processes, and implementing ERP systems that actually move the needle, both operationally and financially,” he says. That experience taught him something important: technology doesn’t fix broken processes.
Start with Clear Goals and Process Mapping
Here’s where most companies get it wrong. They call up software vendors before they even know what problem they’re trying to solve. Lutz always starts with basic questions that make people squirm. “Before we even talk about systems, you’ve got to get clear on what success looks like. What’s the business case? Are you trying to cut costs, improve reporting, reduce manual work, or all the above?” Those questions matter more than anyone wants to admit. “The best ERP implementations I’ve led started by mapping out existing processes, identifying friction, and eliminating waste before the software even came into the picture,” he explains. Companies that skip this step end up spending millions to automate the same broken processes they had before. Smart businesses fix the problems first, then pick the software.
Choose the Right ERP and Plan for Integration
Software selection trips up a lot of companies. They fall in love with fancy demos and forget about the boring stuff that actually matters. Lutz keeps his clients focused on what they’ll need five years from now, not just today. “Our goal at OSI is always to help clients consolidate into one system where it makes sense to break down silos and improve visibility,” he says.
But consolidation isn’t always possible or smart. Some companies need multiple systems talking to each other. “If you need to connect with other systems, make sure you’re choosing an ERP system that has easy-to-use development tools and open APIs. That flexibility matters,” Lutz advises. His team sticks with platforms they trust. “We work with platforms such as Odoo, Acumatica, and IFS because they scale well and integrate easily.” Connected systems mean faster decisions and fewer headaches down the road.
Drive Adoption with Intentional Change Management
Here’s the part that separates success from expensive failure. Companies spend fortunes on software, then wonder why nobody uses it properly. Lutz has watched this movie too many times. “ERP success doesn’t come from the technology alone. It comes from the people using it well.” Getting people on board takes more than a training session and a pizza party. “That means you need a rollout plan, training, and someone inside the business driving it. We often recommend appointing internal champions, folks who understand both the operations and the ERP to lead the way,” he explains. These champions become the bridge between what the software can do and what people actually need to get their jobs done. User adoption happens when people see real benefits in their daily work. “When users understand the why and see how the system makes their day easier, adoption follows,” Lutz points out. Nobody cares about enterprise architecture. They care about going home on time and not fighting with broken systems all day.
Most people think ERP is an IT project. That’s the first mistake. “ERP isn’t an IT project, it’s business transformation,” Lutz says. Companies that get this right treat it what it is: a complete overhaul of how work gets done. The formula isn’t complicated, but it requires discipline. “If you set the right goals, choose a flexible integration-ready platform and invest in your team, you’ll set yourself up not just for success, but for long-term growth and efficiency,” he concludes. Companies that follow this approach don’t just survive their ERP implementation. They actually get better at what they do. The difference between success and failure usually comes down to preparation and people. Get those right, and the technology follows.
Connect with John Lutz on LinkedIn to explore how strategic ERP planning can transform your operations.
