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Building Trust is at the Heart of ERP Implementation Success

Michael Bell

Sep 15 2025

3 min read

Implementing an ERP system is never just about technology. It’s about people, processes, and, most importantly, partnership. At the heart of every successful ERP implementation rests a foundational element that often goes unspoken but is always felt: trust.

Trust Begins Before the Contract Is Signed

Trust isn’t something that magically appears at kickoff. It must be cultivated early; during the sales cycle; when expectations are set, risks are discussed, and the tone for collaboration is established. When clients and implementation partners engage transparently from the outset, they lay the groundwork for a relationship built on mutual respect and shared accountability.

In various sales engagements, early alignment of strategic goals and compliance requirements is essential to building confidence between teams. Without that early trust, critical compliance gaps could go unaddressed, jeopardizing the entire initiative.

Collaboration Is Not Optional, It’s the Methodology

ERP implementations are inherently complex. They involve cross-functional teams, third-party ISVs, evolving business needs, and tight timelines. Without a community of trust, these moving parts can quickly become friction points.

In my previous blog post, Why Client Engagement Is the Cornerstone of a Successful D365 FSCM ERP Implementation, I had emphasized that client engagement is more than just attending meetings; it’s about active, informed participation throughout the lifecycle. This engagement is only possible when both sides trust the methodology, the process, and each other.

The establishment of a joint PMO, as seen in several Sikich-led projects, has proven to be a best practice. It ensures shared ownership of decisions, fosters transparency, and creates a unified front when navigating challenges.

The Risks of a Trust Deficit

When trust is lacking, the symptoms are immediate and damaging:

Scope creep due to unclear expectations.
Delays from misaligned priorities or withheld concerns.
Low adoption because users don’t believe in the system or in the team implementing it.

During regular internal touchpoint meetings, team members discuss the importance of visibility, engagement, and proactive communication to avoid these pitfalls. Even small issues, like unclear calendar visibility or overlapping session schedules, can snowball if not addressed in a culture of any organization.

Trust Enables Change Management

ERP projects are not just system upgrades, as they are also organizational transformations. Change management is only effective when stakeholders trust that the process is designed with their success in mind.

Our Introduction to HeadSTART with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ebook outlines how Sikich embeds change management into its methodology, emphasizing that success is not just about systems or processes, but the people who use them. Trust empowers everyone to embrace change rather than resist it.

Moving Forward Together

Trust is not a soft skill; it’s a strategic asset. It is nurtured through:

Clear communication
Shared goals
Consistent follow-through
Mutual accountability

When clients and ERP partners move forward in lockstep, trusting the process and each other, the result is more than just a successful Go-Live. It’s a long-term partnership that drives real business value.

This publication contains general information only and Sikich is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should you use it as a basis for any decision, action or omission that may affect you or your business. Before making any decision, taking any action or omitting an action that may affect you or your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. In addition, this publication may contain certain content generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) language model. You acknowledge that Sikich shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by you or any person who relies on this publication.

About the Author

Michael Bell

Michael is a Principal at Sikich LLC and a leader of our delivery services of D365 FSCM ERP implementations. He is committed to helping and assisting clients navigate the complexities of an ERP implementation to ensure successful results.