At a Glance
ERP adoption is growing as UK organisations replace fragmented systems with integrated platforms like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The implementation of ERP software involves structured phases, from planning and design to training and support, with costs and timelines shaped by business size, complexity, customisation, and data quality. Choosing the right implementation partner is critical to long-term value. Book a consultation with a Business Central specialist at Brookland Solutions today.
The Growing Demand for ERP Systems
Organisations are under constant pressure to improve performance and efficiency, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Many businesses choose to integrate an ERP system to gain significant benefits and improve their current operations. A growing number of organisations across diverse sectors are adopting ERP solutions, from property management to food and beverage production.
This move allows them to shift from outdated systems that slow down operations to a unified system that connects all departments in one place. Demand for ERP is poised to grow further, in line with the global ERP software market, which is expected to grow to around $101 billion by 2026.
If you’re looking to integrate an ERP system like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you’ll want to know the typical ERP implementation cost before committing. You’ll also want to understand the timelines and other factors, including what to expect from an implementation partner, which this guide is all about.
What’s Included in an ERP Implementation?
Contrary to the widespread assumption, ERP implementation is more than installing a software package. It’s a structured change in systems that connects technology with how your business operates. Implementing an ERP like Business Central involves multiple phases and can be tailored to your business’ requirements.
Key Stages of ERP Implementation
Implementing an ERP system is a complex process that involves multiple, structured steps to bring your key business processes together. A standard implementation plan involves the following six stages:
Discovery and Planning
The first stage in your ERP implementation timeline is the discovery phase. During this stage, a project team gathers information on your business’ requirements and the core challenges it needs to solve.
Design
The design stage will see building on existing workflows and creating a detailed structure for an ERP system tailored to your business processes. Here, you identify gaps, understand how licenses work, define user roles, configure core models, and also customise the system if needed.
Development
In this stage, the software is further configured to match your business performance and business-critical data (such as customer information, financial data, and inventory records) is migrated and validated in the new system.
Testing & Training
The testing stage progressively evaluates the system’s capabilities and fine-tunes the development to resolve any issues that may emerge. This stage also includes training your teams to build confidence and encourage user adoption of the new ERP.
Brookland Solutions has a special focus on team training and can introduce a change management plan to address common resistance to the ERP.
Deployment
Once the configuration and testing are complete, the ERP is ready to go live. Instead of leaving you to handle the changes, a good implementation partner monitors the system closely and troubleshoots any issues that arise.
Support & Updates
The project team ensures you have all the support you need. This stage often involves reviewing the system, gathering user feedback, and identifying areas for improvement.
Taking it one step further, Brookland Solutions also offers periodic optimisations and monitoring to help you get the most out of the ERP system.
Typical ERP Implementation Timelines
ERP implementation timelines can vary depending on the system’s size, complexity, and other factors.
For small or straightforward ERP implementations with limited customisations, implementation can take as little as a few weeks, may take three to six months.
Businesses with multiple departments, integrations, or reporting requirements fall under mid-sized implementations and may require 6 to 9 months.
Highly complex implementation projects with heavily customised needs for multi-entity organisations and international rollouts can take nine to twelve months or more to complete.
For startups, Brookland Solutions offers a Quick Setup service, including rapid rollouts for standard setups in as little as 2 weeks.
Common ERP Implementation Cost Drivers
Multiple factors can influence ERP implementation costs:
Software Licensing and Subscription Fees
For on-premise ERP, licensing is typically a one-time cost, while cloud-based systems are billed monthly or annually. The total cost depends on the number of users and the level of functionality required.
Implementation and Configuration Services
The development, planning, design, customisation, and deployment stages account for a significant portion of typical ERP implementation costs.
Data Migration Expenses
Moving your data from the old system to the new one can be challenging, especially if it is poorly organised or stored across multiple platforms.
Cumulative data migration expenses depend on the amount of data, its structure and format, and the time required to clean, migrate, and validate it.
Customisation and Integration
Most ERP systems, including Business Central, come out of the box, but you can design customisations and integrate them if needed, with an added development cost.
Training and User Adoption
You may install the best system, but it is ineffective without the proper user training. The cost of training users also depends on the team size and system complexity.
Post-Implementation Support and Ongoing Maintenance
Once live, your ERP needs regular maintenance, updates, and support, which can be fulfilled through support packages.
Partnering with Brookland Solutions for ERP Implementation
Brookland Solutions is an experienced ERP implementation partner for Microsoft Dynamics ERPs, including NAV and Business Central. We take a client-first approach to ERP implementation by working closely with our clients to understand their commercial goals, long-term growth plans, and operational challenges.
We follow a structured implementation approach and develop a plan that balances standard ERP capabilities with bespoke integrations without over-customising.
With experience across consulting, implementations, upgrades, and migrations, our team supports you through to completion with user training and adoption, and post-live support. You gain an ERP system that is designed around your needs and helps you meet your goals.
Eager to learn more about our ERP implementation services? Book a consultation today.
FAQs – ERP Implementation
Can an ERP like Business Central be implemented in phases?
Yes, Business Central can be implemented as a standard solution with integrations added later.
Can implementation stages differ between cloud ERP and on-premises ERP?
Both deployments follow the same broad implementation phases, but the tasks within each stage can differ. One key difference is that on-premises implementations often require more hands-on IT involvement from start to finish than cloud-based systems.
Which ERP implementation phase is most challenging?
Each stage of ERP implementation can be challenging, depending on factors such as system complexity. Of all the stages, the planning and discovery stage can be the most difficult.
How can you prevent delays in ERP implementation?
Developing realistic timelines, in addition to designing the planning stage comprehensively, can prevent projects from overrunning.
How can ERP implementation costs be controlled?
It’s possible to control ERP implementation costs by clearly scoping the project, focusing on standard capabilities, maintaining strong project governance, and improving data quality before migration.
