Studies indicate that the likelihood of completing an ERP implementation on time and within budget is less than 40%. This figure is independent of the ERP vendor (SAP, Infor, Microsoft, IFS) and the implementation partner. Experience from 2BCS confirms these findings, showing that most of the root causes for project failure originate at the very beginning of the implementation phase. Clients often fail to adequately assess their current situation (e.g., data to be migrated, process deviations), the transformation approach, project complexity, required resources, and necessary organizational changes. Of course, implementation partners are not without fault either—they may lack qualified personnel, have limited knowledge of best practices, or underestimate their effort and workload.

Only through targeted and comprehensive preparation can the ideal conditions for a successful ERP implementation be created. Phase 0 - a concept inspired by the work of Third Stage Consulting - describes the essential preparations that should always take place before the actual implementation project begins.

In Phase 0, five key pillars are addressed:

1. Commitment of leadership to the project objectives.
2. Definition of end-to-end target processes.
3. Verification of technical prerequisites (data quality, RECIFW, applications).
4. Training of the project team and management.
5. Establishment of governance structures.

Many large implementation firms recognize these shortcomings early on and propose handling them within a paid “Discovery” phase. However, this proposal is not entirely selfless: it provides the implementation partner with a signed contract, allows them to bill for their services, and gives them influence over the client—often leading to additional sales opportunities.

2BCS, however, believes that Phase 0 should primarily be a critical reflection on the client’s current situation, objectives, and resources. Independent support from 2BCS provides far greater value to the client than a paid pre-sales “Discovery” phase led by the implementation partner.

About 2BCS AG
2BCS AG is an independent Swiss process and technology consulting firm specializing in industrial manufacturing and trading companies. Each year, 2BCS conducts over two dozen ERP evaluations across Europe and supports numerous clients in the implementation and upgrade of SAP, Infor, IFS, and Microsoft solutions.