But what happens when the system integrator starts making decisions that should belong to the business?
This is a risk I have seen on SAP projects.
Consultants may recommend “SAP best practices.” Those recommendations can be valuable. But a best practice should not automatically replace a real business requirement.
Your business understands its customers, products, operations, and daily challenges.
Watch for These Warning Signs
Executives and project leaders should pay attention when:
- Business concerns are repeatedly dismissed
- Users are told to simply accept a new process
- Important requirements are labeled unnecessary
- Decisions are made without enough business input
- Project reports look good, but business users are frustrated
The system integrator brings SAP expertise.
The business brings business expertise. You need both.
Before approving an important SAP decision, ask:
Is this actually better for our business, or is it simply easier for the implementation?
I discuss this issue in more detail and share lessons from my SAP project experience in the full LinkedIn article.
Read: What Is the Biggest Mistake Executives Make During an SAP Implementation?