What No One Tells You About ERP Projects

ERP projects succeed or fail based on how they are managed, not the software itself. In this episode of RPI Tech Connect, RPI PMO Director Theresa Nelson explains what most organizations are not told before starting an ERP implementation. She discusses the project management decisions that determine ERP success, including leadership alignment, communication planning, risk tolerance, and methodology selection. Theresa breaks down why waterfall remains the dominant ERP project management approach, how agile methods fit into ERP work, and why highly integrated systems require structured planning and phased testing. The episode also explains the role of unit testing, system integrated testing, and user acceptance testing in reducing risk before go live. To make those concepts relatable, Theresa draws a parallel between ERP project management and parenthood, explaining how prioritization, critical path, and knowing which things you cannot drop are essential in both. Listeners will learn what causes ERP projects to go off track, how strong project managers identify issues early, and what organizations should look for when selecting an ERP implementation partner. The stuff nobody warns you about is usually what derails a project. Learn how RPI's project strategy services help you plan for it 👉 https://www.rpic.com/project-strategy/ *Chapters* 00:00 Welcome to RPI Tech Connect 1:40 Why the Best ERP Projects Feel Invisible 2:40 Leadership & Vision Drive ERP Success 5:03 The Non-Negotiables of Every Successful ERP Project 11:35 Waterfall vs. Agile Methodologies 20:22 The Project Management & Parenting Parallel 22:41 Final Thoughts & Takeaways