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Checklist

ERP readiness checklist

What to put in place in the twelve months before an ERP program starts, so the program is not the first time these questions get asked.

The programs that run clean are the ones that did this work before the integrator arrived. Tick what is already true. Each unchecked item is cheaper to fix now than during the build.

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Decision and sponsorship A named executive sponsor who will spend real time on the program, not just approve it A written business case with benefits owned by the people who will deliver them A realistic timeline: about 36 months from decision to a stable go-live for a tier 1 program The support-deadline math done, so the start date works back from the date you must be live Board alignment on the five-year cost, not just the implementation number

Data and process An honest assessment of master-data quality, with the worst domains named Data cleanup started before the integrator arrives, owned by named business staff Current processes documented well enough to decide what to standardize and what to keep A clear view of which customizations in the old system were ever actually needed Integration inventory: every interface the new system will have to carry

People and capacity Business process owners identified for each major area, with time freed to attend Backfill planned for the day jobs of everyone pulled onto the program An internal program manager who is not the integrator A plan to retain key people through go-live, since a program is a retention risk Independent assurance budgeted at 1 to 2% of the program, reporting to the sponsor

Selection and contracts Requirements written tightly, not a 900-row spreadsheet nobody reads A shortlist built on fit and conditions, not a vendor "alternatives" list Reference customers of your size and industry lined up to call Contract terms drafted before selection narrows your leverage The signature timed to the vendor quarter-end, with selection finished on your own clock

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