ERP Project Insurance Policies

pjoeckel • July 2, 2024

ERP Project Insurance Policies

One of my favorite ERP project rules is that, “No one has the budget to DO IT RIGHT, but everyone finds the cash to DO IT OVER."

Keeping that thought in mind, much of my time recently has been spent analyzing and delivering the results of requirements studies for Microsoft Dynamics GP, NAV, and AX companies contemplating a move to either Dynamics Business Central (BC) or Finance and Supply Chain Management (FSCM).
Who knew that there was still fun in the ERP software space?
For anyone new, a requirements-gathering project is one of the critical elements for a successful ERP implementation project. It intends to gather all the essential business requirements a new ERP solution must meet.
ERP software becomes more expensive, time-consuming, and challenging to install with every new release. One would assume that requirements-gathering tools constantly evolve to meet the challenges of this critical step in the ERP implementation process. One would logically assume that and also be completely wrong.
Traditionally, many ERP requirements-gathering projects that I have seen fall into two categories:
  • Bloated, time-consuming, expensive, and life-sucking, Leading to challenged and failed projects.
  • Cursory and inadequate, often designed to point to a predetermined solution. Leading to challenging and failed ERP projects.

So why am I having fun analyzing and delivering the results of requirements-gathering projects? Because of the reaction I get when reviewing the output of GYDE365-Discover requirements gathering surveys. Here is a recent example.
I was discussing the gaps between the business requirements for a manufacturing company currently on NAV contemplating an “upgrade” (their word) to Dynamics Business Central.
The reaction to the results was initially a combination of disbelief and dismay. Why? The company had done extensive research to ensure that Dynamics Business Central was a great fit. The analysis I was providing painted a new and concerning picture.
The fun was when the client finally smiled and said, “Wow! This has been invaluable. I am so glad we decided to do this”.
What we had “done” is to provide a detailed and unbiased requirements review and gap fit analysis utilizing GYDE365-Discover.
GYDE365-Discover is a revolutionary cloud-based application designed to help businesses determine with a high degree of specificity if Microsoft Dynamics 365 fits them. It was developed, maintained, and continuously updated by a team of ERP industry experts.
Yes, proper requirements gathering “insurance policies” can be money, project, and career savers. In some cases, they could have saved entire companies that failed because of destructive ERP projects.
If you want to bring additional joy into my life, let’s talk about how a GYDE365-Discover project can save your ERP project, career, or company with an ERP selection Insurance Policy.

HandsFree ERP 
We are dedicated to ERP project excellence with experienced people, innovative processes, and innovative productivity tools like GYDE365-Discover. Experience - over one hundred years of combined experience selecting and implementing strategic ERP platforms.

ERP Project Insurance

Peter Joeckel

With an IE/OR engineering degree and enterprise software implementation experience starting at Price Waterhouse, Peter Joeckel has been in the business application selection, implementation, and challenged project turn-around business for over thirty years. He credits his industrial engineering degree with his search for better processes and tools to implement complex business application platforms.
Most recently, he was the lead HandsFree client advisor in the Circle of ERP Excellence lounge and speaker at the Community Summit North America.

HandsFree ERP is dedicated to supporting clients with their ERP initiatives, enabling companies to seamlessly connect users with their ERP partners. By utilizing skilled professionals, streamlined processes, and cutting-edge tools, HandsFree ERP significantly boosts the success rates of ERP projects.

April 25, 2025
Streamline your ERP selection process with our cloud-based, modern, data-driven evaluation tool. Simplify business process requirements, accelerate ERP implementation, and gain unbiased, real-time insights for optimal manufacturing and solution fit.
April 25, 2025
Discover the limitations of AI tools in ERP selection through a real-world case study comparing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Finance & Supply Chain Management. Learn why expert analysis is crucial for accurate ERP requirements assessment.
April 25, 2025
Debating if Business Central is the right move for you? The key to making the right decision lies in understanding your business requirements—not just what your ERP system does for you today, but what you truly need from an ERP system now and in the future.
With our latest enhancements to Discover, you can now compare your answers to those of similar busin
April 25, 2025
With our latest enhancements to Discover, you can now compare your answers to those of similar businesses. This means faster data collection, smarter decisions, and a smoother ERP selection process.
Overbuying mfg erp is just as bad as underbuying
April 25, 2025
Which is worse? Underbuying results in relentless and expensive change orders, or overbuying and paying for modules that you don't even need? Avoid falling into either of these traps with a Discover Assessment.
The word erp is coming out of a circle with a light coming out of it.
April 25, 2025
How do you calculate a successful ERP implementation project? We base it on three aspects: on-time, on-budget, and on-spec. Learn the real cost of a manufacturing ERP implementation.
A blurred image of a city with the word erp and icons.
April 25, 2025
Discover simplifies ERP cost estimation by providing a detailed analysis of design and build hours, helping organizations accurately compare the implementation costs of Dynamics Business Central and FSCM to make informed, budget-conscious decisions.
A cupcake with whipped cream and a cherry on top
April 25, 2025
When considering an ERP system, it’s crucial to invest in a solution that aligns with your long-term goals rather than settling for what meets your immediate needs. If you anticipate your organization evolving rapidly, opting for a simple solution could lead to challenges down the road.
A computer screen with the words navigating erp selection on it
By EzPages Support April 25, 2025
HandsFree ERP understands the importance of unbiased data in making informed decisions. That’s why we rigorously tested the Discover tool to evaluate its impartiality and found that there is no inherent bias.
An isometric illustration of a cube with the word erp on it.
April 25, 2025
Discover offers flexibility in how you view your data, allowing you to choose between a module-view or a process-view meaning you can tailor the analysis to fit your specific preferences and business context, making it easier to identify your requirements.
April 25, 2025
For a limited time, Microsoft is funding the Discover assessment, providing Dynamics GP, SL, AX, and NAV users with a detailed analysis of their business needs, a fit/gap evaluation of modern ERP solutions, and project estimates to simplify and guide their cloud transition.
A Junior Consultant's Tale - The Hilarious Truth About ERP Implementations
April 25, 2025
Successful ERP implementations require seamless alignment between sales and implementation teams. We can help bridge this gap by clarifying business needs and providing structured execution guidance.