I haven’t met many printers who LOVE their ERP/Print MIS solutions. In fact, I can only think of one. ERP solutions aren’t very loveable, in fact they are easy to hate. People love technology that is brilliantly easy, works without any effort on your part, and makes you feel smarter. Print MIS/ERP solutions are precisely NONE of those things.

Because Print MIS/ERP solutions are often hated, the most common solution to ERP challenges is to replace them with another ERP because we want to believe we’ll love that new one. New ERPs (ones you haven’t implemented yet or only know via sales demonstrations) are loveable. Throwing out your current ERP is still considered a bold move and you’ll get a lot of internal support when you do it. It feels good to cut ties to something that has frustrated you for so long. You’ve convinced yourself that all your problems will go away with this new ERP solution that you just shelled out six figures on.

All Print MIS/ERP systems become unlovable by approaching them the same way you approached the last ERP—having this hope that it will just work, not require any effort on your business’ part, and make you feel smart for making the decision. The only way to fall in love with your ERP is to double down on it. Instead of throwing it out, bring it closer. Ask yourself, is this thing even implemented at 25% of its potential? Does anyone in my organization have real expertise in how this system works? What does doubling down on your existing ERP look like?