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      In today’s fast-moving economy, businesses across the Yorkshire and North East are under increasing pressure to modernise. Whether you're a manufacturer in Middlesbrough, a logistics firm in Hull, or a service provider in Leeds, the ability to adapt quickly is becoming a key differentiator. Yet for many, outdated systems are holding them back.

      Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are the backbone of operational efficiency. But when they’re outdated, they can stifle innovation, create silos, and increase risk. If your teams are relying on spreadsheets and manual workarounds, or if your systems can’t support AI, automation, or real-time insights, it may be time to rethink your ERP strategy.

      Alistair Scullion
      Alistair Scullion

      Consulting lead for Yorkshire and the North East

      KPMG in the UK

      Here are five practical steps to help your business implement ERP successfully and build a foundation for future growth:

      • Take a holistic view

        ERP isn’t just a tech upgrade - it’s a chance to reimagine how your business operates. Start by understanding your strategic goals and how technology can support them. This means selecting the right solution and aligning your ERP roadmap with your growth ambitions, customer expectations, and operational needs.

        One Yorkshire-based business delayed ERP investment and opted for a standalone finance system. While it delivered short-term gains, it couldn’t scale to meet broader needs, leading to costly rework. The lesson? Think big-picture from the start.

      • Embrace standard functionality

        Customisation may seem appealing, but it often leads to complexity, higher costs, and upgrade headaches. Today’s cloud-based ERP platforms offer robust, best-practice processes out of the box. Instead of bending the system to fit your old ways, ask why your current processes can’t evolve.

        By leaning into standard functionality, you reduce technical debt and free up resources to focus on what truly differentiates your business.

      • Use accelerators and tools

        You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Many mid-sized businesses across Yorkshire and the North East are already leveraging proven tools and accelerators to fast-track ERP success.

        These pre-configured solutions help you adopt industry best practices quickly and securely, reducing cost, risk, and time to value.

        This approach allows you to focus on innovation and customer experience, rather than spending months configuring basic processes.

         

      • Plan for progress, not perfection

        ERP doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Break your transformation into manageable phases, but make sure each step builds toward your long-term vision. Identify quick wins that can deliver early value and help fund future improvements.

        For example, a phased rollout might start with finance and procurement, followed by operations and HR. Just ensure your roadmap is cohesive and considers interdependencies from the outset.

      • Bring in the right expertise

        ERP success is as much about people as it is about technology. Many mid-market firms lack the in-house capacity or experience to manage complex ERP programmes - and not just technical expertise but other critical skills including data migration, testing and change management. That’s where external support can make the difference.

        Specialist partners bring not only technical know-how but also proven methodologies and sector insight. They can help you avoid common pitfalls, manage change effectively, and ensure your investment delivers lasting value.

      Why this matters now

      Regulators are demanding faster reporting and greater transparency. Employees expect modern tools and seamless experiences. And your competitors, whether in Newcastle, Sheffield, or York, are already investing in AI and automation.

      If your current systems can’t keep up, now is the time to act. ERP isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about enabling growth, resilience, and innovation.

      ERP implementation doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right strategy, tools, and support, your business can turn ERP into a powerful enabler of growth.

      If you're asking questions like “Can your systems support further growth without adding more spreadsheets?” or “Do you have immediate access to the data you need to make decisions?”, it may be time to explore what a modern ERP could do for your business.

      For further insights on how to future-proof your growth, visit: Growing your business. 5 steps to a successful ERP implementation.

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