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Trevin Nimaladasa

Essays

Long-form arguments about decisions in systems programs. Each one makes a claim, names the decision it bears on, and shows what good looks like.

65 ESSAYS · ERP PROGRAMS · RSS

  1. NO. 09 · · 2 MINThe operating model comes after the system (it never does)A programme cannot skip the operating model, it can only skip designing it.
  2. NO. 03 · · 4 MINWhy ERP programs fail in plain sightERP failures are rarely surprises. The signals are visible months before anyone uses the word, and almost all of them are organisational rather than technical.
  3. NO. 01 · · 5 MINDecision governance before delivery governancePrograms in trouble tend to add forums rather than decisions. The difference between tracking work and owning trade-offs, and how to tell which one your governance actually does.
  4. NO. 06 · · 9 MIN2026 Business Transformation Outlook: What I'm Seeing, and What We Can Do About It2026 will not introduce new transformation problems; it will expose the ones organisations have lived with for years.
  5. NO. 106 · · 7 MINDigital Transformation Was HARD Until I Learned These 8 Tips!Eight practical lessons from transformation programs that make the work less painful.
  6. NO. 114 · · 4 MINWhy ERP Won't Fix a Broken Warehouse (And Why I Paused a Project Without Permission)An ERP implementation that would have digitised a disorganised warehouse, and why pausing it for two weeks was the right call.
  7. NO. 113 · · 4 MINUAT Passed, Sign-Off Approved… So Why Did Production Fail?Passing UAT proves the scripts ran, not that the business can operate on the new system.
  8. NO. 109 · · 4 MINFrom Blueprint to Bust: Common Pitfalls in the ERP Build Phase - A Consultant's PerspectiveThe common ways an ERP build phase goes wrong, seen from the consultant's side of the table.
  9. NO. 59 · · 5 MINThe Great Escape: Breaking Free from the Whirlwind of Rework with a Strong Definition of Ready (DOR)A strict Definition of Ready, enforced as a gate before build, is the most effective way to cut rework, and developers should push back on any requirement that fails it.
  10. NO. 47 · · 5 MINBreaking Free: Latest Trends in Overcoming Requirements Challenges in Digital Transformation ProjectsNew requirements will surface at every stage no matter the method, so the answer is structured methodologies for implementation, Agile for continuous improvement, thorough business analysis and cautiously validated GenAI.
  11. NO. 54 · · 4 MINDX Lockdown: Why Digital Projects Get Stuck Behind BarsMisunderstood requirements damage an ERP project before, during and after delivery, and the cost shows up as scope creep, rework, poor adoption and lost trust.
  12. NO. 51 · · 7 MINCrafting the Perfect Schedule for DX & ERP ProjectsA phase-by-phase guide to scheduling DX and ERP work, with the questions to ask, the tools to use and the checklists and templates for planning, module implementation, hypercare and continuous improvement.
  13. NO. 76 · · 6 MINStealing Success: How DX Project Scheduling Has Evolved Over TimeDX project scheduling has matured from gut-feel plans to hybrid, tool-supported methods, and each project phase has its own set of practices that work and practices that fail.
  14. NO. 65 · · 7 MINLessons from Money Heist: What Happens When Project Scheduling Goes WrongPoor scheduling, delegation and status reporting turn a DX project into a heist gone wrong, through missed deadlines, overloaded people, dependency cascades, communication gaps, scope creep and no accountability.
  15. NO. 61 · · 4 MINHow to Choose the Best Software for Your Digital Transformation JourneyAn eight-step software selection method: define needs, research, check integration, cost the total ownership, test scalability and vendor support, trial it, then decide together.
  16. NO. 67 · · 4 MINLatest Insights and Strategies: Mastering DX Software SelectionGood software selection leans on analyst and peer-review resources, favours vendors whose product suites integrate cleanly, and prices the total cost of ownership before signing.
  17. NO. 49 · · 4 MINChoose Wisely: How the Wrong Tech Choices Can Derail Your Digital TransformationERP selection goes wrong through mismatched needs, underestimated integration and hidden total cost, and avoiding the horror story takes needs analysis, vendor research, references and a view of future growth.
  18. NO. 60 · · 4 MINGuiding the Galactic Fleet: Tools for Stellar ERP GovernanceERP governance needs five working parts: a cross-functional council with defined roles, internal controls, compliance tooling, process alignment tools and a change management system.
  19. NO. 68 · · 4 MINMidweek Innovations: Tools and Frameworks for Stellar ERP GovernanceFive categories of tooling, from holistic governance platforms and real-time data engines to gamified training, change management suites and process modelling, each answer a specific ERP governance failure.
  20. NO. 52 · · 5 MINDisturbances in the Force: Governance Woes in Digital Transformation ProjectSix ERP governance failures, shadow IT, duplicate data, poor adoption, inconsistent training, underestimated change management and process misalignment, are symptoms of deeper organisational problems worth interrogating.
  21. NO. 72 · · 7 MINPlanning your Digital Transformation JourneyAn eight-step planning guide for digital transformation, from vision and maturity assessment through to fostering continuous innovation.
  22. NO. 63 · · 4 MINHow to Craft a Killer Business Case for Any Project: A Fun Guide!A convincing business case walks nine plain steps, from a punchy summary and a relatable problem through goals, solution, money, risks, timeline, stakeholders and how success gets celebrated.
  23. NO. 82 · · 3 MINWriting a Business CaseA step-by-step guide to building a business case for a digital transformation project that wins approval, funding and stakeholder buy-in.
  24. NO. 58 · · 4 MINGrand Visions, Monumental Successes: How Stellar Business Cases Transformed IndustriesApple, Tesla, JPMorgan and Amazon show that a business case built on one grand, simple, clear vision, backed by the right IT systems, is what turns a transformation into an industry standard.
  25. NO. 66 · · 5 MINThe Make-or-Break Factor in Digital Transformation: Nailing the Business Case!A weak business case is where transformation projects quietly fail, through vanishing scope, chameleon budgets, ghost stakeholders and misaligned expectations, and four ingredients fix it.
  26. NO. 79 · · 3 MINThe Marauder's Map to Risk Management!ERP risk management starts with three moves: categorise the risks, run a stakeholder risk questionnaire, and keep a living risk register you revisit constantly.
  27. NO. 73 · · 6 MINRisk Management 101A practical framework for identifying, assessing and managing risk on an ERP implementation, from risk categories to a working register.
  28. NO. 57 · · 4 MINThe Galactic Guide to Budgeting for Your ERP OdysseyAn ERP budget is a roadmap, not a document: audit the terrain, blueprint the costs, hold a contingency, cap vendor prices and review spend monthly.
  29. NO. 69 · · 3 MINMischief Managed: No Polyjuice Potion Needed, Just Smart ERP Risk Management!Starbucks, Walmart and Cadbury each neutralised a specific ERP risk, data fragmentation, supply chain disruption and distribution complexity, through planning and the right partners rather than magic.
  30. NO. 45 · · 5 MINBeneath the Surface: The Untold Risks of ERP VenturesTen ERP risks that rarely make the risk register, from skipped penny testing and integration rework to cultural resistance, vendor lock-in and neglected customer experience, each illustrated with a cautionary tale.
  31. NO. 81 · · 5 MINThe Top Budget Blunders in ERP History: A Financial AnalysisHershey, HP, Nike, Waste Management and the NHS each blew their ERP budgets for a recognisable reason, and the same four lessons fall out of every case.
  32. NO. 46 · · 5 MINBeware the Budget Black Hole!ERP budgets fail through endless timelines, feature bloat, scope creep and its mirror image scope lockdown, and implementers and customers see that tension from opposite decks.
  33. NO. 78 · · 5 MINThe ERP Hall of Shame: Lessons from Target Canada & MoreSeven famous ERP failures, from Target Canada to Hershey, share the same causes: untested systems, unrealistic scope, poor partner fit and go-lives timed for the worst possible moment.
  34. NO. 110 · · 3 MINHello World!The first issue of Easy Resource Planning: why ERP and transformation need explaining in plain English.
  35. NO. 53 · · 5 MINDitch the Dirty TalkEight ways to strip the jargon out of ERP conversations so a non-technical audience actually understands what the system does for them.
  36. NO. 70 · · 7 MINNeeds AssessmentA fifteen-step needs assessment for ERP implementation that covers processes, resources, support, readiness and requirements, not just system features.
  37. NO. 90 · · 8 MINInsightsReporting and analytics are crucial components of an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, as they transform raw data into actionable insights, supporting informed decision-making across various business functions.
  38. NO. 55 · · 3 MINEmpower PeopleWhy the people on an ERP program, not the methodology, are what make it succeed, and how to build the implementation around them.
  39. NO. 103 · · 9 MINZero TrustImplementing Zero Trust in the context of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is a crucial step towards enhancing organizational security posture.
  40. NO. 43 · · 3 MINAsk for HelpERP projects fail when people stop asking for help; here is whom to ask, when, what and how.
  41. NO. 44 · · 3 MINBe a HeroThe ERP implementation as a hero's journey, with the skills, team and toolkit a project leader needs at each stage.
  42. NO. 48 · · 3 MINChange is the wordA four-phase roadmap for navigating change through an ERP implementation, from preparation and planning to evaluation and optimisation.
  43. NO. 56 · · 3 MINEstablishing GovernanceGovernance is the backbone of ERP implementation: what it is, why it matters and the steps to set up a framework that actually steers the program.
  44. NO. 71 · · 3 MINPeople and ChangeStakeholder and change management on a transformation project, told as a voyage where the crew matters more than the map.
  45. NO. 88 · · 4 MINHealthcareThe healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need to improve patient care, enhance operational efficiency, and comply with evolving regulatory standards.
  46. NO. 96 · · 4 MINPublic SectorThe public sector is at a critical juncture in embracing digital transformation to meet the evolving needs of citizens, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure transparency and accountability.
  47. NO. 100 · · 4 MINTransportDigital transformation in the transport sector is not a one-size-fits-all scenario.
  48. NO. 50 · · 6 MINComprehensive Guide to ERP Project Budgeting: Ensuring Financial Health Amidst ComplexityHow to build, manage and protect an ERP program budget, including the hidden costs that most estimates miss.
  49. NO. 74 · · 5 MINScopeHow to manage ERP project scope through every SDLC phase, who owns what, and how to negotiate scope with vendors without losing the partnership.
  50. NO. 62 · · 5 MINHow to Conduct an ERP System Health Check: A Comprehensive GuideA ten-step method, checklist and questionnaire for assessing whether a live ERP system is still performing and aligned with the business.
  51. NO. 64 · · 7 MINHyper-chaos to BAUHow to run hypercare after an ERP go-live and hand the system into a support structure that can carry it into business as usual.
  52. NO. 75 · · 6 MINSophie's Choice: Navigating the Complexities of Selecting the Right ERP SolutionA guide to choosing an ERP platform, covering the leading vendors, industry-specific fit, the selection process and the warning signs when a vendor pushes a product.
  53. NO. 77 · · 3 MINThe 'Bridge of Spies' Dilemma: Selecting the Ideal ERP Implementation PartnerHow to choose between a top-tier consultancy and a specialised firm as your ERP implementation partner, with a checklist and questionnaire.
  54. NO. 80 · · 5 MINTo Middleware or NotWhen to put middleware between your ERP and third-party systems, and how file-based, API-based and point-to-point integration approaches compare.
  55. NO. 85 · · 4 MINCustomer Relationship Management (CRM)Customer Relationship Management (CRM) plays a pivotal role in the realm of business information systems, serving as a central component that supports a wide range of business activities focused on managing company inter
  56. NO. 91 · · 3 MINIntegration Best PracticesIntegrating systems, especially in the context of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) deployments, involves a complex process that requires meticulous planning and execution.
  57. NO. 92 · · 4 MINIntroduction to IntegrationsEnterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integrations are pivotal in ensuring seamless communication and data flow between an ERP system and other business software applications.
  58. NO. 89 · · 4 MINHuman Capital Management (HCM)Human Capital Management (HCM) in the context of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems refers to a comprehensive set of practices and tools designed to manage an organization's workforce.
  59. NO. 93 · · 3 MINManufacturingWhen discussing the role of manufacturing within an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, it's essential to understand that modules are designed to support various manufacturing processes, including discrete, proces
  60. NO. 94 · · 4 MINMiddlewareMiddleware solutions play a crucial role in the landscape of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems by acting as the glue that connects different software applications, databases, and platforms within an organization
  61. NO. 98 · · 4 MINSupply Chain Management (SCM)Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a critical facet of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, emphasizing the effective management of the flow of goods and services from the point of origin to the point of consumption
  62. NO. 101 · · 6 MINUtilityThe utility industry faces unique challenges and opportunities, especially in the context of mergers and acquisitions.
  63. NO. 97 · · 4 MINResourcesThe resources industry, encompassing mining, oil and gas, and other natural resources sectors, is at a pivotal juncture.
  64. NO. 87 · · 4 MINFinancial ServicesThe financial services industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving customer expectations, and increasing regulatory requirements.
  65. NO. 86 · · 2 MINFinancial AccountingGeneral Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Asset Management, and Cash Management.