Consider two mid-sized construction companies upgrading to new ERP systems within the same quarter. Both chose reputable platforms with the right project management, estimating, procurement, and financial tracking capabilities. Both had similar budgets and timelines. Twelve months later, the outcomes could not have been more different. One company was celebrating faster project scheduling, improved cost tracking, accurate material inventory, and higher client satisfaction. The other dealt with delayed projects, inaccurate data, frustrated teams, and financial strain. The difference between these two outcomes was not the software itself, but the quality of the implementation.
Understanding the Challenges & Why Projects Go Off Track
ERP projects are among the most complex initiatives a construction business can undertake. Research consistently shows that 55% to 75% of ERP projects fail to achieve their original objectives. Approximately 50% of organizations report that their ERP did not meet expectations, and 33% say performance actually suffered after implementation. Budget overruns are frequent, with about 65% of projects exceeding planned costs and only 28% delivering on time and within budget.
These figures represent a consistent pattern in which companies underestimate the complexity of ERP rollouts and the depth of change management required. The system may be powerful, but the results will fall short without careful planning, accurate configuration, and thorough training.
ERP systems touch every aspect of a construction company. They affect how project data flows, how crews are scheduled, how budgets are managed, and how compliance requirements are tracked. If the scope of the project is vague, if user roles are unclear, or if training is treated as an afterthought, adoption rates plummet and data quality suffers. When the implementation partner is unfamiliar with the construction industry, critical workflows such as job costing, subcontractor management, or change order tracking may be misconfigured or entirely missed, leading to costly rework.
In many cases, the partner responsible for the rollout is too far removed from the business to grasp its operational realities. Without regular on-site engagement and an understanding of local building practices, the configuration can drift away from what the company actually needs.
The Advantage of a Hands-On Local or Regional Partner
Working with a partner that understands both the construction industry and the local market can change the trajectory of an ERP project. A local or regional partner can spend time with the team in person, see operations first-hand on job sites, and adapt the configuration to align with actual workflows. They can respond quickly to challenges and bring relevant experience from similar companies in the region. This proximity fosters better communication, trust, and alignment throughout the project.
At Empower, our philosophy is to remain fully engaged from the first planning meeting through post-go-live support. Our 9 Step ERP Implementation Roadmap is designed to address the common points of failure in ERP projects. We start with a comprehensive discovery phase to align the ERP’s capabilities with the client’s strategic objectives. Clear scope definition follows, which keeps timelines and budgets under control. We provide role-specific training so users can work effectively in the new system. Change management is built into the plan from the very beginning, ensuring that employees feel confident in adopting the new processes and tools. We remain fully engaged through go-live and beyond, making adjustments as needed so the system continues to meet the company’s evolving needs.
From Implementation to Transformation
The ultimate goal of ERP implementation is not simply to launch a new piece of software. It is to transform the business in ways that improve efficiency, visibility, and scalability. When done right, ERP can produce significant gains such as 30% to 50% improvement in process efficiency, 20% to 35% better material and inventory optimization, and revenue growth between 10% and 20%.
These are not just numbers. They represent the ability to deliver projects on schedule, track costs in real time, make better-informed decisions, and compete more effectively for high-value contracts. Achieving these gains requires discipline, deep industry expertise, and a commitment to seeing the project through every phase.
Our 9 Step ERP Implementation Roadmap is a practical guide built from years of hands-on experience with construction firms, distributors, and service companies. It covers governance, scope, configuration, training, testing, go-live, and ongoing optimization. It is designed to prevent the common mistakes that lead to underperformance and help companies unlock their ERP investment’s full potential.
Where to Go from Here
The ERP platform you select matters, but the quality of the implementation will ultimately determine the success of your investment. A partner with the right industry knowledge, local presence, and hands-on approach can be the difference between a costly failure and a transformative success. Before you sign your next ERP contract, take the time to understand how the implementation will be managed, who will be on the ground with your team, and how they will ensure your business objectives are met.
Download our roadmap, study it carefully, and use it to guide your discussions with potential partners. Your ERP project is too important to leave to chance.