Is it time to upgrade your ERP, or make the most of what you’ve got?
ERP systems are built to last, but no software stands still. Whether you’re facing a vendor upgrade, performance issues, or strategic growth, the decision to stick or twist isn’t just technical, it’s transformational. This blog explores how to make the right call, balancing disruption with opportunity, and aligning your ERP journey with real business value.
ERP: Stick or Twist?
ERP systems are built to last. They’re foundational to how businesses operate, connect, and grow. But all software evolves and eventually, every organisation on ERP faces the question: Do we upgrade, or stay on the current version?
It’s rarely a simple decision. A new version might promise better performance, new features, or improved integration. But upgrades come with cost, disruption, and the need for change, not just in systems, but in people, processes, and priorities.
So how do you decide?
Why This Question Matters
ERP upgrades aren’t just technical. They’re strategic. They affect how your teams work, how your processes operate, and rely heavily on how your business responds to change. The decision to upgrade, or not, should be made with clarity, not urgency.
Common Triggers for Considering an Upgrade
- Your vendor has released a new version
- You’re experiencing performance issues or functional gaps
- Your business has grown or diversified
- Support for your current version is ending
These are valid reasons to explore an upgrade. But they don’t automatically mean it’s the right move.
Key Considerations
Before you commit, ask:
- Is the upgrade aligned with our business strategy?
- Will it deliver measurable value, in performance, capability, or cost?
- Do we have the capacity to manage the change?
- Are our people ready for another shift?
- Is there a better way to get what we need, without upgrading?
Sometimes, the best decision is to optimise what you already have. Sometimes, it’s to evolve.
When It’s Better to Stick
- Your current system meets your needs
- The upgrade offers marginal gains
- Your teams are already managing significant change
- You lack the internal bandwidth to take it on
- You haven’t yet fully adopted what you already have
When It’s Time to Twist
- Functional gaps are holding you back
- You’re investing heavily in workarounds
- The upgrade unlocks strategic capabilities
- Vendor support is ending
- You’re ready to scale or transform
How to Decide
This is where a structured ERP review can help to assess software to current and future needs. You need to involve your teams, your vendors, and your leadership to understand what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next.
You need to make informed decisions, based on value, timing, and readiness.
ERP is a long-term investment. Whether you stick or twist, the goal is the same: software that works for your people, supports your strategy, and helps your business grow.
