Think of ERP testing like a dress rehearsal before a stage performance. Regardless of the months you spent preparing, writing the script, setting the stage and training your cast, unless you’ve run through the show properly, under real conditions, you’re leaving too much to chance when the curtain rises.
It’s the same for a new ERP implementation. Unfortunately, testing is one of the most rushed and under-planned parts of delivery. It’s often seen as a tick box exercise right before go-live. But in reality, your testing phase is where you find out whether the system you’ve spent months building and investing in actually works (and whether your team is ready for it).
If you want your new implementation to launch smoothly and deliver long-term value, a robust testing strategy is non-negotiable. Here’s what ERP testing really involves, why it matters and how to do it right:
Why testing matters
A new ERP system will touch nearly every function and area of your business. From finance and HR to supply chain, reporting and beyond, depending which industry you’re in. That means there are hundreds, if not thousands, of processes, data flows and integrations that all need to work in seamless tandem.
If even a handful of those don’t behave as expected, you could end up with:
- Failed customer orders
- Logistical errors
- Broken reporting
- Manual workarounds
- And a lot of frustrated teams
Testing is your last line of defence. It helps you catch gaps before they go live and gives you confidence that your ERP implementation is fit for purpose.
What are some common ERP pitfalls?
At BR One, we’ve seen it time and time again. Companies that fall into one of the following testing traps:
Leaving testing too late
Testing should be a priority, or at least a factor of consideration, from the outset. By leaving testing to the final hour, teams are often exhausted and under pressure to go live. This leads to corners being cut or feedback being ignored.
Not testing real-life scenarios
Many testing efforts focus on the ideal happy path where everything goes exactly as planned. But real businesses rarely run that smoothly. Exceptions and errors happen all the time. If your testing scripts only cover perfect scenarios, you won’t know how the system handles edge cases or mistakes.
Relying too much on tech teams
Sometimes testing is left primarily to IT or technical teams who understand the system architecture but don’t actually use the ERP day-to-day. These teams may verify that features work as designed, but they might miss practical issues related to user experience, daily workflows and business compliance.
Skipping data validation
Some organisations treat data migration as a one-and-done task or leave data quality checks until after go-live. Even a perfectly configured system is useless if it’s fed bad data.
What good ERP testing looks like
A strong ERP testing strategy starts early and includes multiple layers. It’s about building confidence that your new ERP system will work well and support your people. Here’s what great ERP testing involves:
1. Testing starts early and happens often
Good testing is an ongoing process throughout the entire project. Starting early means you catch problems when they’re easier and cheaper to fix. Frequent testing cycles will allow you to progressively refine the system and reduces surprises after go-live.
2. Test scenarios reflect real business processes
The goal of ERP testing is to verify the system supports how your business works, and not just how the software was designed to work. This means covering everyday tasks, exceptions and unusual cases users have encountered in the past.
3. Users are empowered and fully engaged
Your people know their jobs and pain points better than anyone else. Involving them deeply in testing helps identify gaps early and boosts confidence that the system meets their needs.
4. Data is thoroughly tested and validated
Since data quality directly impacts system reliability, your testing must include rigorous data validation at every step, from migration to final go-live. Make sure ownership and accountability for data quality is clear.
Good testing needs time, people and tools. It should be a mindset woven throughout every implementation stage, from conception through to go-live. Rather have your team surface issues early, than your users or customers experiencing delays or poor service later. Because at the end of the day, your ERP system serves at the engine of your business. And just like any engine, it deserves a proper road test before you set off.