The history of implementing ERP systems has shown that leaving the fate of your Enterprise Resource Planning project in the hands of software consultants and vendors may only create a false sense of security. While the help of consultants is usually required, they are not all-knowing, have a limited ability to control the keys to project success, and are often the beneficiaries of cost overruns. When it comes to software vendors, their sales people will be long gone when it comes time to go-live with the new system.
This book presents comprehensive strategies that enable organizations to take charge of their Enterprise Resource Planning projects to drive success. It is a detailed guide for making informed decisions during each project phase. It contains many tips to select ERP software, align senior management, establish a realistic schedule and budget, manage service providers, transfer software knowledge, redesign business processes, develop the right implementation strategies, and properly test the new system.
It also addresses the various application and system infrastructure deployment options, emerging technology trends, and the implications from a software selection, implementation and on-going support standpoint. The information in this book is applicable to new implementations and system upgrades.
It was recently named the No. 1 book for ERP Project Managers by Book Authority.
This edition updated: June 2025
Steven Phillips is an ERP professional with over twenty-seven years of implementation experience as a software consultant and a practitioner within industry. His background includes senior management education, software selection, project management, application consulting, process redesign, systems design, testing, training, and post go-live support. This extensive knowledge is coupled with a rare combination of functional experience in operations management, IT management, and business re-engineering. His industry experiences include manufacturing, distribution, business services, and the public sector. Steve has a degree in Production & Operations Management with advanced studies in Industrial Management. Previously certified by the American Production and Inventory Control Society, he has written articles appearing in APICS publications.