Handling ongoing maintenance of heavily customized ERP systems requires a structured approach. 1. Change Management process: Implement a formal process to document and approve customizations and updates. 2. Regular Audits: Schedule regular performance audits and system health checks to identify issues early. 3. Documentation: Maintain detailed records of customizations and configurations for troubleshooting and future enhancements. 4. Backup and Recovery: Implement regular backups and recovery plan to minimize downtime in case of system failure.

With heavily customized ERP systems, maintenance is like caring for a high-performance car. At one client, we set up regular health checks to ensure the system runs smoothly, like reviewing custom workflows or reports. We also prioritize clear documentation for every customization, so future updates don’t break anything. Finally, we schedule small updates instead of big overhauls to avoid system downtime and keep everything running efficiently. Regular monitoring and quick fixes keep the system reliable long-term.

A heavily customized ERP is an outgrown system which probably needs to be replaced as it can be a technical but not a business-friendly solution. In some cases, available ERP upgrades are practically impossible to perform because of heavy customization without foresight. Any new or upgraded ERP system must undergo the detailed selection steps for the best-fit ERP software before deciding to deploy a reliable and long-term ERP solution.