Why 70% of ERP Projects Fail – It’s Not the Code, It’s the UX

Table of contents

1. Introduction 2. What Goes Wrong in ERP Implementations?3. How to Fix UX in ERP Systems 4. Case Study: The Power of UX in ERP 5. Conclusion

6 min read

Introduction

ERP implementations are notorious for failing. Companies invest millions in software, expecting a seamless transformation, only to find employees clinging to their old spreadsheets. The problem? Not the technology itself, but the way users interact with it.

💡 Fact: 70% of ERP projects either fail outright or experience major delays. Not because they lack functionality, but because the UX is too complicated, counterintuitive, or frustrating for end users.

Let’s break down why this happens—and, more importantly, how to fix it.

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What Goes Wrong in ERP Implementations?

1. Designing for IT, Not for End Users

Most ERP systems are designed with a heavy focus on technical capabilities, but the real users—operations managers, finance teams, HR professionals—are often an afterthought. The result? Interfaces that are cluttered, workflows that are too rigid, and processes that take way too many clicks to complete.

2. Resistance to Change Due to Poor Onboarding

Change is hard. But change is unbearable when a new system feels overwhelming from day one. Studies show that 52% of employees resist new ERP systems because of their complexity. If it takes weeks to complete basic tasks, users will default back to Excel or outdated legacy tools.

3. Digitalizing Old Processes Instead of Optimizing Them

One of the biggest mistakes in ERP adoption is lifting old processes and digitizing them as-is. Digital transformation isn’t about making old inefficiencies digital—it’s about making them better, faster, and easier.

How to Fix UX in ERP Systems

Design ERP Around Real User Scenarios

Instead of trying to pack every feature into one interface, focus on the 10-20% of actions users perform most frequently and optimize for those. Role-based dashboards and personalized user experiences can significantly improve efficiency and satisfaction.

Adaptive Onboarding to Speed Up Adoption

ERP training shouldn’t feel like studying for an exam. Integrate smart tooltips, guided walkthroughs, and contextual help so users learn as they go, instead of getting lost in a 300-page manual.

Simplify Workflows for Operational Efficiency

Complex workflows kill productivity. Streamlining critical processes—like order management or reporting—from 15 clicks down to 5 can cut processing time by 30% or more.

Case Study: The Power of UX in ERP

A large manufacturing company struggling with ERP adoption revamped its UX. By reducing redundant steps and integrating role-based interfaces, they cut task completion times by 40%. Employee satisfaction with the system skyrocketed, and the business saw a measurable impact on operational efficiency.

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Conclusion

An ERP system is only as good as its adoption rate. If users resist it, if processes remain sluggish, or if training takes forever—it’s not a tech problem, it’s a UX problem.