What Great ERP Projects Have in Common

Every organization has heard the horror stories. ERP projects that spiral out of scope, stretch budgets, and leave teams questioning the value. But the great ones? They look quite different. In this episode of RPI Tech Connect, Nick Foy of Silverdale and Melissa Olson of RPI share what makes ERP projects successful and how consultants and clients can get there together.

They explore the mechanics of real success: clear processes, the right tools, full adoption, and ongoing accountability. The conversation also dives into the human side of implementation—how to handle scope challenges, set honest expectations, and rebuild trust in an industry that’s lost it. Nick and Melissa share lessons from years of ERP “rescue missions,” what they’ve learned about transparency and pricing models, and why the best projects are always built on shared ownership.

Whether you’re leading digital transformation or planning for one, this episode offers a candid look at how to turn complex ERP initiatives into lasting success stories, and what every great project has in common.

00:00 Welcome to RPI Tech Connect
00:26 Pulling Back the Curtain on ERP Consulting
3:03 Good Intentions Don’t Work: Mechanisms Do
5:38 Establishing Trust with Process, Tool, Adoption, & Audit
10:00 How to Handle Project Pushback
12:35 Change Management & Shedding Light on Hidden Problems
19:16 Flipping the Script on Billable Hours
28:44 We Projects, Not Us vs Them
33:55 Final Thoughts & Takeaways