The 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Deploying an ERP in an SME

Deploying an ERP is a strategic milestone in a company’s lifecycle. It’s much more than just switching tools: it’s a transformation in workflows, data circulation, and team collaboration.

Unfortunately, many SMEs make common mistakes that jeopardize the success of their project. This article helps you identify, understand, and—most importantly—avoid them, drawing on Syncae’s experience in hosting and supporting Dolibarr and Nextcloud deployments.

1. Not involving users from the beginning

An ERP impacts every function of the company. When imposed without consultation, resistance is likely. Users should be included in discussions from the very start. They hold valuable insights from the field. At Syncae, we’ve found that the smoothest projects are those where management involves teams as early as the selection phase.

2. Neglecting real needs analysis

Many businesses jump straight into configuration without formalizing their needs. A good ERP doesn’t just replicate existing tools—it enhances them. Dolibarr includes many built-in features that meet specific business cases. With Syncae hosting, you can leverage this without excessive custom development.

3. Over-customizing from the start

It may be tempting to fine-tune everything at launch. However, every specific development increases maintenance burden. Out of the box, Dolibarr already covers most SME processes. Choosing a stable yet tailored hosting solution like Syncae gives you a reliable foundation without spiraling costs.

4. Underestimating data migration

Switching from a legacy system to an ERP often means migrating years of data—clients, products, quotes, invoices. This phase is critical. Poor preparation can lead to data loss or critical errors. Syncae supports this transition with tools optimized for Dolibarr to ensure clean imports and data integrity.

5. Skipping training and user support

Even the most intuitive ERP is a comprehensive tool. Without guidance, users may miss out on essential features. Syncae emphasizes responsive, human, and contextualized support. Dolibarr has thorough documentation, but human support ensures faster and more confident onboarding.

6. Failing to define success metrics

An ERP should deliver measurable benefits. Without KPIs, it’s hard to track ROI. High-performing SMEs define a few key indicators from the start: quote processing time, stock accuracy, real-time billing rates, etc. Dolibarr, hosted by Syncae, provides clear dashboards to track these effectively.

7. Isolating the ERP from other tools

An ERP shouldn’t be an island. It must connect with email, documents, calendars, and collaboration tools. Syncae’s integrated approach with Dolibarr and Nextcloud ensures digital continuity. Your data remains synced, accessible, and centralized.

8. Ignoring security and data sovereignty

Entrusting your strategic data to an uncontrolled platform is risky. At Syncae, every Dolibarr or Nextcloud instance is isolated, secured, hosted in France on a dedicated VPS, with automated backups and monitoring. This ensures both GDPR compliance and peace of mind.

9. Not planning for future growth

Good deployment plans ahead. As your business grows, you should be able to add new modules, users, services. Dolibarr’s modular and scalable design makes this possible. With Syncae’s Docker-based architecture, you retain flexibility without rebuilding your system from scratch.

10. Thinking an ERP is a magic bullet

An ERP is a tool—not a miracle cure. It supports your strategy, but doesn’t replace it. A disorganized company without an ERP remains disorganized with one. But a well-integrated ERP structures workflows, secures data, and creates a solid base for growth. Syncae’s offering is designed to facilitate—not hide—this transformation.

📊 Summary: what a successful ERP deployment really enables

✅ Clear centralization of information
📊 Real-time global business visibility
🔐 Controlled and secure data management
💡 Streamlined and structured processes
🚀 A strong foundation to support growth

Deploying an ERP is a demanding but transformative project. By avoiding common pitfalls and partnering with the right experts, it becomes a powerful lever for deep organizational improvement.

At Syncae, we’ve designed an offer that’s both technical and human—so every business can get the most out of Dolibarr and Nextcloud without getting lost in complexity. A well-deployed ERP means a simpler, calmer, and more professional daily life.