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If you’ve started exploring what it takes to move your business to an ERP system, chances are you’re staring down a long list of questions. What exactly is involved? How much will it cost? How long will it take to set up? And most importantly, how do you make sure it actually works?
Perhaps you haven't even started exploring yet, and the idea of overhauling your systems feels overwhelming. That's a fair reaction; it's a big move.
Here's the good news though: there's no need to panic. You just need a solid plan.
That's why smart businesses dedicate time to planning before diving in. Ultimately, the success or failure of any ERP project rarely hinges on the software itself. Instead, it comes down to thorough preparation.
And that's where Phase Zero come in.
Often overlooked or rushed, this strategic pre-implementation phase is arguably the most crucial part of the entire process. It makes the difference between hitting the ground running and stumbling through delays, budget blowouts, and internal resistance.
Let’s break it down.
What is Phase Zero?
Phase Zero is the critical discovery phase that comes before implementation begins. There’s no software being installed or data being migrated here. Instead, you’re laying the foundations, aligning teams, defining success, and identifying the real needs of your business.
It’s strategic, not technical. And skipping it is one of the most common reasons ERP implementations go off track.
Why it matters
Think of Phase Zero as the planning stage before building a house. You wouldn’t start pouring concrete without blueprints, budgets, and site inspections, the same logic applies to an ERP.
Without Phase Zero:
You risk scope creep and unclear objectives.
Users don’t understand what’s changing or why.
Critical data or processes are overlooked.
Resistance builds, and ROI takes a hit.
With it, you’ve got a clear vision, realistic timelines, and the internal buy in needed to deliver real outcomes.
Four activities that define Phase Zero
1. Define the why and what
Start by setting clear goals. What are you solving with an ERP? What will success look like for your business in 12 months? Build a business case that outlines benefits, not just costs. Define which departments, functions, or workflows the ERP will cover now, and what might come later.
This is also where you map your future vision. Where is the business heading? Your ERP should support that direction, not just your day to day admin.
2. Map the current state
You can’t fix what you can’t see. Document your current processes, systems, workarounds, and bottlenecks. This is where a lot of hidden inefficiencies show up, and it’s often the first time decision makers see how disconnected or manual some workflows really are.
Gap analysis is key here. What’s broken? What’s missing? And how will the ERP bridge that gap?
3. Assess readiness
An ERP system touches your people, processes, and technology, so all three need to be ready. Look at your team’s appetite for change. Are there internal champions? Do you have the time and expertise to lead the rollout, or will you need a partner?
Now is also the time to assess your data quality, plan for cleaning and migration, and check if your infrastructure can support a modern, cloud based system.
4. Set up project governance
This is where the plan becomes real. Create a preliminary timeline, assign responsibilities, define how decisions will be made, and map out how communication will flow across the business.
Strong project governance prevents delays, reduces confusion, and ensures everyone knows what’s expected. It also helps you stick to your budget and respond quickly if things change.
Why businesses that invest in Phase Zero win
In MYOB’s experience, the businesses that see the fastest ROI from their ERP are those that invest time upfront. That’s why Phase Zero is baked into our implementation process, from early discovery through to scoping, risk planning, and resource alignment.
Our accredited partners are experts at mapping your current state, understanding your future goals, and guiding you through every step of this foundational phase.
And it works:
Businesses that invest in upfront planning consistently see faster ROI and smoother implementation compared to those that rush straight into configuration.
A structured Phase Zero reduces the risk of budget overruns and failed adoption.
Businesses stay agile, with fewer surprises and stronger internal alignment.
Don’t skip the step that sets you up for success
You might be excited to start seeing change, but rushing to configure an ERP without Phase Zero is like starting a race without tying your shoes.
This is your chance to align stakeholders, surface hidden risks, and build real confidence. And with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
What's next?
Talk to one of our ERP experts and learn how MYOB and our partners can guide you through a successful, low stress implementation, starting with Phase Zero.
