Choosing an ERP system is one of the most strategic decisions a mid-sized or international company can make. The right system can drive growth, streamline processes, and provide better real-time insights for decision-making. A wrong choice, however, can lead to high costs, inefficient workflows, and hinder business operations for years to come.
This guide is intended for Nordic companies—and international businesses with operations in the Nordics—that are preparing to evaluate and select a new ERP system ahead of 2026. xperitus has over 15 years of experience with ERP implementations and helps you navigate the entire process, from the preliminary study to the go-live solution.
Here, you’ll find a structured overview of what you need to consider, which criteria are most important, and how to avoid common pitfalls. We share concrete lessons learned from real-world projects and give you the tools to make an informed decision.
An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is an integrated platform that consolidates and automates core business processes. Finance, procurement, production, inventory, sales, and customer management are linked together in a single system with a shared database.
For Nordic mid-sized companies, this means you can avoid isolated systems that don’t communicate with each other. Instead, you gain access to up-to-date business data from across the entire organization—which in turn enables faster and more informed decisions.
Nordic companies with international operations also have specific needs regarding multi-currency support, consolidated reporting, and local regulations. A modern ERP system handles these requirements and creates a common platform for all units.
The feasibility study is the most important step in the entire procurement process. Here, you define why a new system is needed, map out current processes, and set clear business goals for the project. Many ERP projects fail not because of the system—but because they were launched without clear goals or buy-in from the organization.
Start by mapping your existing processes and systems. Identify problem areas, bottlenecks, and features missing from your current solution. Involve key personnel from finance, production, logistics, and IT early in the process.
Then set concrete business goals for the ERP project. Do you want to streamline order management? Get better real-time decision-making data? Increase scalability in preparation for expansion? Clear goals make it easier to evaluate different systems and measure success after implementation.
Result: A shared vision and a basis for decision-making to move forward with requirements gathering.
Based on the preliminary study, it’s time to formulate concrete requirements. xperitus helps you map out your needs and ensures that the requirements are grounded in the business’s actual goals—not in a wish list of features you’ll never use.
Divide the requirements into categories: functional requirements (what the system should be able to do), technical requirements (integration, security, availability), and organizational requirements (training, support, change management). Prioritize the requirements based on business value.
Be realistic. An ERP system should support your processes—not force you to adapt your operations to the system’s limitations. At the same time, standard processes can often be more efficient than custom solutions.
One of the first strategic questions is whether to choose a cloud-based ERP system or an on-premises installation. Both options have advantages depending on your situation.
Cloud-based systems (SaaS) give you access to the system from anywhere, automatic updates, and predictable monthly costs. You avoid having to invest in your own server infrastructure and IT operations. Oracle NetSuite is an example of a cloud-based ERP system that xperitus implements for Nordic companies.
For companies with growth ambitions, the cloud offers scalability—you can easily add users, modules, and geographic locations without major infrastructure investments.
Certain industries have regulatory requirements that mandate local data storage. Companies with highly customized processes can also benefit from the flexibility that an on-premises installation provides. Oracle JD Edwards is an example of a flexible on-premises system for manufacturing companies, the life sciences sector, and the oil and gas industry.
Once your requirements are clear, it’s time to evaluate vendors and systems. Don’t just focus on the product—also evaluate the implementation partner and their ability to understand your business.
Experience in your industry is crucial. A partner who understands the challenges of the manufacturing or distribution industry can deliver faster and with fewer mistakes. Ask for reference customers of similar size and in similar industries.
Also examine the partner’s capacity for long-term support. ERP isn’t a project that ends at go-live—it’s a journey involving upgrades, optimization, and new needs that arise.
Invite two to four vendors for a more in-depth discussion. Ask them to demonstrate how the system addresses your specific challenges—not just show standard features. Involve key personnel from your business in the demos.
Get references. Talk to existing customers about their experiences with both the system and the partner. Ask about the implementation process, support, and how well the partner understood their business.
With more than 15 years of experience in ERP implementations, we at xperitus have identified patterns in what distinguishes successful projects from failed ones. Here are the most common pitfalls.
An ERP project is a strategic decision that affects the entire business. Without clear support from management, the project risks being deprioritized or lacking resources when they are needed most. Ensure that the CEO and management team are engaged from the start.
Don’t underestimate the work involved with master data. Ownership, quality, and harmonization of data from multiple systems require significant commitment. Poor data quality leads to problems in the new system, no matter how good the platform is.
The desire to get started quickly can lead to shortcuts that end up costing more in the long run. A realistic timeline with a buffer for unforeseen challenges is better than a rushed plan that risks compromising quality.
It’s easy to compare license prices, but that rarely gives the full picture. Evaluate the total cost, including implementation, customizations, training, and ongoing support. A system that’s right from the start costs less over time.
Once the contract is signed, the real work begins. The implementation phase is often the most extensive—and the most critical to success. xperitus guides you through the implementation with proven methods and deep system knowledge.
Build a project organization with clear roles. You need a project manager with a mandate, key personnel from the business who understand the process, and resources from IT. The partner’s project manager should have experience with similar implementations.
A typical implementation follows several phases: design (how the system will be configured), configuration (the system is built), testing (verification in a real-world environment), training (users are prepared), and go-live (the system is put into operation).
Testing with users in a real-world work environment is crucial. This is when you discover whether the system works as intended and whether users understand how to work with it.
An ERP project isn’t just about switching systems—it’s a journey of change that affects processes, work methods, and corporate culture. Invest in change management and communication. Users who understand why the change is happening and how it benefits them are more likely to embrace the new system.
Nordic companies with subsidiaries or operations in other countries have specific requirements. An ERP system for international groups must handle multiple currencies, languages, legal frameworks, and tax jurisdictions.
The parent company needs to be able to consolidate data from all units for reporting and decision-making. A modern ERP system handles the elimination of intra-group transactions and provides a comprehensive view of the group’s finances.
Striking a balance between local adaptations and global standard processes is a challenge. Too much local adaptation makes the system difficult to maintain. Too strict global requirements can hinder local operations. Find the right balance based on your strategy.
Different industries have different requirements for their ERP systems. Here’s what’s important for some of the industries where xperitus has deep experience.
Manufacturing companies need support for production planning, material requirements planning (MRP), quality control, and traceability. Integration with machines and production systems is often critical.
For distributors, inventory management, purchasing, supply chain, and order management are central. Support for multiple warehouse locations, batch management, and EDI integration are common requirements.
Regulated industries such as life sciences have high requirements for traceability, validation, and documentation. The system must support GxP requirements and FDA compliance where applicable.
Consulting firms, construction companies, and other project-based businesses need support for project accounting, resource planning, time and cost tracking, and project-related invoicing.
xperitus is an experienced Oracle partner with specialist expertise in NetSuite and JD Edwards. With offices in Jönköping and Gothenburg, and consultants in Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Helsinki, we have a local presence throughout the Nordic region.
Together with you, we map out processes, needs, and objectives. We help you translate your requirements into concrete solutions and guide you through implementation using structured methods. As part of Redfaire International, we have access to global expertise and 24/7 support.
No matter where you are in your ERP journey, we’re here as your partner—from the initial feasibility study to long-term operation and optimization. Learn more about how we work with NetSuite implementation for Nordic companies.
Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make an informed decision.
Choosing an ERP system is a complex but manageable process if you take a structured approach. Start with a thorough preliminary study, define clear requirements, and carefully evaluate both the system and the partner. Don’t underestimate the importance of change management and buy-in within the organization.
With the right preparation, the right partner, and a realistic plan, your new ERP system can become the engine of your company’s growth. xperitus supports Nordic and international companies throughout the entire ERP journey—from initial analysis to long-term support in operations and development.
Feel free to contact us to discuss your needs.
A typical ERP implementation takes between three and twelve months, depending on the size and complexity of the business. xperitus uses structured methods to keep the project on track and deliver value as early as possible in the process.
The cost varies significantly depending on the number of users, modules, and customizations. Evaluate the total cost, including licenses, implementation, training, and ongoing support—not just the license price. xperitus helps you understand the total investment.
It depends on your specific needs. Cloud-based ERP systems offer flexibility and lower initial costs, while on-premises installation may be suitable for companies with specific regulatory requirements. xperitus offers both options and helps you choose the right one.
Look for a partner with experience in your industry, certified consultants, and the capacity for long-term support. Check references and evaluate how well they understand your business. xperitus has over 35 consultants with deep Oracle experience and a local presence in the Nordic region.
It depends on your business. Most start with finance and add modules for procurement, inventory, production, CRM, or project management as needed. xperitus helps you identify which modules provide the greatest business value for your specific needs.
Data migration requires careful planning and quality control. Identify which data needs to be moved, clean and validate it before migration, and test thoroughly. xperitus has proven methods to ensure your data is correctly transferred to the new system.
After go-live, the ongoing journey begins with optimization, user support, and adaptations to new needs. xperitus offers long-term support and further development so that you get maximum value from your ERP investment over time.