The most common cause of EPM implementation failure is not bad software. It is organizations that were not ready. Data was not clean, processes were not documented, stakeholders were not aligned and the team was not resourced. A readiness assessment before kickoff dramatically improves outcomes.
This guide covers the key readiness dimensions and how to assess them. For a comprehensive checklist, see our Readiness Blueprint and Implementation Checklist.
Readiness Dimensions
Data readiness
Is your chart of accounts clean and documented? Are actuals accessible from the ERP? Do you have clear account mappings? Data quality issues are the leading cause of implementation delays.
Process readiness
Are planning, budgeting and reporting processes documented? Do stakeholders agree on workflows? Implementing software on broken processes automates the mess.
People readiness
Do you have executive sponsorship? Is the project team identified and resourced? Are budget contributors willing to adopt? Change management starts before the project.
Technology readiness
Is your ERP stable for integration? Do you have SSO infrastructure? Is IT engaged? Technical prerequisites unaddressed become implementation blockers.
Common Readiness Gaps
• Chart of accounts not reviewed or rationalized in years.
• No documented planning process — everyone does it differently.
• Executive sponsor is nominal — not actively removing blockers.
• IT not involved or aware of integration requirements.
• No dedicated project team — implementation competes with day jobs.
• Change management plan does not exist — adoption is assumed.