Laying the Foundation: ERP & CRM as the Basis for Digital Transformation

Why ERP and CRM Form Step 1: Base Camp for Innovation

ERP and CRM are your Base Camp: where you get your footing, mark your path, and meet your guide for making the next big ascent.

We’ve already established that digital transformation is essential for boosting ROI, driving smarter strategy, and deepening customer engagement. So, why start with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems?

The answer is simple: without a solid ERP and CRM foundation, everything that comes after is at risk of being unstable, disconnected, and inefficient.

By implementing ERP and CRM systems first, you’ll unlock operational efficiency, clearer visibility, and valuable time back, especially when your ERP system has an embedded CRM.

Here’s what you stand to gain:

• Centralized data for consistent, accurate, and actionable insights.
• Streamlined processes to minimize manual data entry and elimination of data silos.
• CRM incorporation offers a 360-degree view of all customer transactions from opportunity to sales to continued support.

Successful Implementation Tips

Let’s explore what to look for in ERP and CRM platforms and how to avoid common pitfalls.

ERP implementations aren’t just tech projects. They’re business transformations that should be driven by clear strategic goals. Yet, according to a recent Gartner survey, 75% of ERP strategies are not strongly aligned with overall business objectives, a gap that often leads to missed opportunities and costly setbacks.

To avoid this, selecting the right ERP platform starts with aligning it to your business goals. Key factors to consider include scalability, vendor reputation, implementation approach, total cost of ownership, and ongoing support. Just as importantly, the right partner can be more impactful than the technology itself, guiding a smoother implementation and enabling long-term growth.

At SVA, we’re proud of our 100% ERP implementation success rate, and we’ve developed a proven three-step approach to help clients succeed from day one:

1. Anchor in Strategy

Define success using measurable outcomes and align ERP decisions to strategic goals.

2. Manage the Change

Structure governance to guide decision-making proactively by communicating updates and engage end users effectively.

3. Land and Expand

Launch quickly and refine future objectives based on early success and deploy in manageable phases with clear expectations and milestones.

Integrating for Impact

An important part of climbing a trail is learning from those who’ve come before. A real-world example of ERP and CRM serving as the foundation for digital transformation comes from Fore Supply, a long-standing distributor that modernized its operations with help from SVA Consulting.

By implementing a fully integrated ERP and CRM solution (later extended to support a new eCommerce platform) Fore Supply established the foundation needed to streamline their order-to-cash process, improve data accuracy, and enhance customer relationships.

With this foundation in place, Fore Supply now spends less time on manual tasks and more time focused on customers and long-term growth, supported by streamlined operations across multiple manufacturing models. In the first year since implementation, orders originating from their eCommerce site have doubled, further accelerating their digital transformation.

What Comes Next

Implementing ERP and CRM systems is like clearing a rocky trail so you can hike smoothly toward the summit. Once the path is set, you can enjoy the view and prepare for the next leg of your journey.