Lessons Learned from Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Implementations in an Australian Company

Successful Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations are a boon for organisations. However, there have been many instances of failed ERP implementations globally resulting in millions of wasted dollars. It is vital to learn from past ERP implementations so that such expensive mistakes are not recurrent. This qualitative exploratory case study aims to explore and document the lessons learned from ERP implementations in an Australian global natural resources company to mitigate such problems in the future. A single case study was conducted with the aim to understand experiences from different sites of the company that have already undergone proprietary ERP system implementation. Data was collected through interviews of key participants who were involved in the implementation. Analysis of the interviews has resulted in comprehensive lessons learned around the project focus areas. Finally, ten tips, divided in 4 categories i.e. People, Strategy, Technology and Management have been identified, to guide future ERP implementations and increase chances of success.