Implementing a new ERP system should be a game-changer—streamlining operations, improving visibility, and boosting profitability. But for many distributors, the ERP journey gets rocky fast. Delays, blown budgets, and frustrated teams can turn what should be a smart investment into a costly lesson.
This guide breaks down the most common ERP implementation pitfalls for distributors and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
- Choosing the Wrong ERP for Your Industry
The Pitfall:
Going with a generic ERP solution that doesn’t align with the complexities of the distribution business—especially in industries like building materials where inventory comes in bundles, pallets, or custom cuts.
What to Watch For:
Lack of support for units of measure and material variations
No tools for job-site delivery or scheduling
Poor inventory tracking across multiple yards or warehouses
The Fix:
Choose an ERP built specifically for distributors, or at least one that supports industry-specific modules or add-ons for construction supply workflows.
- Rushing Through Planning
The Pitfall:
Jumping into configuration before thoroughly mapping out your business processes. This leads to misaligned workflows, messy data, and confusion down the road.
What to Watch For:
Vague project goals
Unclear success metrics
Overlooked edge-case scenarios
The Fix:
Invest time in discovery and process mapping. Get input from all departments—sales, warehouse, delivery, finance—before finalizing requirements.
- Failing to Clean and Prepare Your Data
The Pitfall:
Migrating messy data from your old system without cleaning it first—resulting in bad reports, incorrect inventory counts, and customer service issues.
What to Watch For:
Duplicate customers or SKUs
Inconsistent naming conventions
Outdated pricing or inventory levels
The Fix:
Audit and clean your data before migration. Assign a data owner to review, standardize, and verify everything going into the new system.
- Over-Customizing Too Soon
The Pitfall:
Trying to match your old processes perfectly by over-customizing the ERP, instead of adapting to proven best practices.
What to Watch For:
Heavy reliance on custom fields, scripts, or workflows
Features that require manual updates or outside tools
Long-term support challenges and update issues
The Fix:
Start with core features and standard configurations. Customize only where it adds real business value—not just to maintain comfort or habits.
- Not Prioritizing Training and Change Management
The Pitfall:
Assuming that people will “figure it out” once the system goes live. This often leads to poor adoption, workarounds, and user frustration.
What to Watch For:
Inconsistent use across teams
Mistakes in order entry, inventory adjustments, or pricing
Resistance from staff who don’t trust the new system
The Fix:
Build a structured training plan. Offer role-based sessions, cheat sheets, and ongoing support. Treat change management as a core part of the project.
- Ignoring Mobile and Field Needs
The Pitfall:
Overlooking how yard teams, drivers, or outside sales reps will interact with the system—forcing them to rely on paper or phone calls.
What to Watch For:
No mobile-friendly interface for job-site deliveries
Lack of real-time updates for yard inventory or staging
Disconnected workflows between inside and outside teams
The Fix:
Choose an ERP with mobile tools built for field use—or invest in companion apps that integrate cleanly. Make sure your frontline teams can access what they need, when they need it.
- Underestimating Post-Go-Live Support
The Pitfall:
Thinking the project ends at launch. But post-go-live is when real issues show up—and if you’re not ready, it can derail operations fast.
What to Watch For:
No plan for ongoing support
Internal teams unsure where to get help
Minor issues snowballing into daily disruptions
The Fix:
Build in a stabilization phase after go-live. Have a support team ready to respond, and keep training open as users settle into the system.
Final Thought
ERP success isn’t just about choosing the right software—it’s about preparing your people, cleaning your data, and setting up the right processes. Distributors that take the time to avoid these common pitfalls don’t just survive ERP implementation—they get measurable results faster, with fewer headaches.
Treat your ERP project like a business transformation, not just a tech upgrade—and you’ll get the payoff you’re looking for.
