Blog June 18, 2025

Avoid These Mistakes at the Start of a Software Implementation

Don’t Mess Up at the Beginning of Your Software Implementation

June 18, 2025 | 2 min read

Throughout my career at LIDD, I have had the chance to work with many different clients on a variety of software implementation projects. These projects spanned different industries, departments, and types of software (ERP, WMS, etc.). One thing I have noticed over the years is that the success of a project is often linked to how it begins. If a project starts off strong, there is a much better chance that the team will stay on track and reach their goals. Everyone is aligned, and they have what they need to succeed.

That said, I have also seen some common mistakes that clients make early on. These mistakes can slow things down or cause issues later in the project. That is why I wanted to share a few of the most common ones I have come across.

Mistake 1: Thinking the New Software Will Fix All Broken Processes

One of the biggest mistakes I see is when clients believe that their new ERP or WMS will automatically solve all their current broken business processes. If the client’s processes are not working well today, simply implementing the new software will not fix them.

Yes, technology can help guide new ways of working, but if the basic data and information are not cleaned up, the new system will not magically fix everything. Software is a tool. It can help improve things, but only if their internal processes are reviewed and improved too.

Some examples of what to review include cleaning up master data, updating approval flows, and making sure reporting needs are clear and accurate.

Mistake 2: Expecting the New Software to Work Exactly Like the Old One

Many clients, especially key users, expect the new system to work just like the one they are replacing. They want to keep the same steps and flows they are used to. But in most cases, a new system means a new way of working.

We usually recommend that clients try to adapt to the new software, instead of trying to make the software adapt to their old ways. Of course, there are times when changes are not possible; usually because of high costs or because vendors or customers expect things to be done a certain way. In other cases, keeping the same processes leads to extra costs for set up and development, more time, and added complexity.

For example, a client moving from a legacy ERP to a cloud based one might want to keep the same invoice approval steps, even though the new system offers automated workflows that could make things faster and easier. This is why I recommend keeping things simple and following the standard way the new software works.

Mistake 3: Only Involving the IT Team in Project Implementation

Most of the time, our customers’ IT team working with us on the implementation project know the ins and out of how their current systems work. However, it is also true that the IT team are not the ones that use the software to execute daily business processes. It is usually the business users who know the real details, such as the exceptions, the special cases, and the particularities that do not always follow the documented rules.

If only the IT team is involved in the project, the implemented software might work technically, but it could miss important business needs. Software implementation is not just a technical project. It is also a full business change. That is why it is so important to involve both IT and business teams from the start.

The Bottom Line

These are just a few of the common mistakes I have seen, but there are many more. The main message I want to share is that clients need to understand all parts of a software implementation. When they do, and when they are well prepared, the project is much more likely to go smoothly and deliver real value.

Looking to implement software soon? Reach out to Serena today for expert guidance or to schedule a consultation.