How to Fix a Failed Business Central Implementation

In a perfect world, your Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central implementation would go off without a hitch with minimal risk and no surprises. In the not-so-perfect world we live in, however, Business Central implementation failures are more common than not.

It’s estimated that anywhere from 55% to 75% of ERP implementations fail, making it one of the costliest mistakes a company can make.

ERP Implementation Failures and What They Cost

1. When Hershey’s Chocolate’s ERP implementation failed during the Y2K panic, a rushed process resulted in ineffective systems testing, training, and data migration. The company was unable to satisfy an estimated $100 million in orders, and its stock dropped nearly 10%.
2. Despite spending $400 million to upgrade its outdated legacy system, Nike invested in too-slow software with multiple bugs and a “glitch” that failed to anticipate market demand.
3. Perhaps the most significant failed ERP implementations occurred at the U.S. Navy, which spent over $1 billion on four ERP pilot projects, all of which failed due to a lack of central coordination.

360 Visibility is no stranger to ERP implementation disasters, either, having cleaned up quite a few that resulted from other partners who failed to follow the proper methodology.

In one case, a company’s been working with their existing Microsoft Dynamics Partner for four years to implement Dynamics NAV. The implementation is still not complete, and the company is understandably frustrated. The Partner will say the project is ready, but during testing, there are errors that the Partner denies exist. The company turned to us for help in finalizing the implementation and providing proper testing, support, and training.

Why Failed Business Central Implementations Happen

In our view, the primary reason Business Central implementations fail is not approaching the process strategically. The more prepared you are before beginning an implementation, the better it will go. From assessing existing tools to identifying possible incompatibility issues, you can greatly improve your chances of a smooth and successful transition by putting everything in place ahead of time.

Even one small misunderstanding of the implementation process can result in a failed implementation. Multiple discussions should be held to determine requirements and talk about existing technology within your business. This avoids “walking into the unknown” and ending up with a system you ultimately don’t want or need.

Other factors we’ve seen impact failed implementations are:

• Using outdated time and materials quotes.
• Trying to apply outdated implementation and project management processes when what’s needed is a new methodology.
• Investing in basic packages that offer extremely limited consultancy and project management time, leaving customers without the guidance and help they need for the implementation.
• Microsoft Partners not devoting enough time to the process.
• Microsoft Partners recommending alternative solutions that can exceed a customer’s budget.

If you’re contemplating an implementation, you must keep in mind that the implementation is likely to fail without a proven methodology and proper guidance. If you’ve already attempted an implementation and are unhappy with the results, 360 Visibility can help.

What Business Central Implementation Success Looks Like

It takes time, resources, and industry experience to make a Business Central implementation go smoothly. If you’ve decided to work with a new Microsoft Dynamics Partner, here are some questions to ask them before you commit:

1. Do you have experience in our business model and market sector?
2. Do you follow a standard project plan for Business Central implementation, and does it meet our requirements?
3. What resources do you need from our company for a successful implementation?
4. How much assistance and support do we receive during the process?
5. Can you tell me any success stories with companies like mine?
6. Will you support us post Go-Live and as our future needs evolve?

Only when both sides understand each other needs can you have a successful ERP implementation.

Are you ready to check out on your current implementation partner? Check-in with 360 Visibility today and let us run a Business Impact Assessment and take over where you left off in your implementation journey. We offer the training, integrations, and testing that helps you avoid a failed implementation and take advantage of every advantage Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides. There’s no simpler way to get your Business Central implementation back on track.