ERP Implementation That Drives Measurable Results

Companies go dead sometimes. They live through an ERP implementation, but they’re so tired by the end that they just stop using the software. They survive the go-live, but they don’t thrive afterward. That’s where so many ERP projects fall short.

At WM Synergy, we like to say: go live and continually improve. Going live is just the beginning. The real goal is to build momentum after implementation, drive measurable results, using small wins and ongoing improvements for the business.

Why Most ERP Implementations Don’t Deliver Real Results

Too often, companies pour time, money, and energy into an ERP project, only to fizzle out after go-live. They hit the finish line exhausted, without a clear plan for what happens next. We believe that success doesn’t stop at go-live. We want to help you create momentum, celebrate early wins, and continue to improve over time.

What ‘Going Dead’ Looks Like

Just getting live isn’t enough. Companies that focus only on the implementation phase often end up going dead.  They don’t keep their core implementation team in place with a goal of continuous improvement quarterly.  Then, over time, they stop using the software correctly as they don’t review how their business is changing and what has to change in the ERP to match those changes.  We often see this when there is a large strategic shift due to a merger or acquisition or new management team, or it happens when the people that were on the original project leave, the business processes change, or the product strategy changes. Instead of unlocking the full power of their ERP, they barely scratch the surface.

The Alternative—Continuous Improvement

Sustained success is attainable. You do that by having some wins where you build that drive and keep going. Focus on setting achievable goals, hitting key milestones, and using each success to push the business forward. Improvement happens when the ERP system becomes a living, growing part of the company instead of a one-time project.

How WM Synergy Sets Up ERP Projects for Long-Term Success

Most ERP partners focus on getting you through go-live. At WM Synergy, we focus on what happens next. By starting with change management and measurable business improvement, we help companies set the stage for success in the long run.

The Center of Excellence Approach

We have what we call our Center of Excellence, made up of agnostic folks who have been in manufacturing forever. They’re change agents. They’re not tied to any one ERP product. Their job is to help companies improve how they work.

They take the current state business process map, the future state process map, and the strategic goals identified during the sales cycle, and use all three pieces to build a project roadmap. That roadmap guides a successful implementation that leads to lasting improvements.

Change Management Comes First

Helping a company change is a big part of going through an ERP. If you don’t get the people and the processes right, no software can fix it.

Our Center of Excellence team members are lean practitioners. They can train on Kaizen events, do team-building exercises, and run supply chain workshops. They know how to help companies drive measurable results and build a culture of improvement.

What Measurable Results Really Mean

We don’t just measure success by going live. We measure it by tangible improvements that truly help businesses. From operations to finance, we focus on helping companies unlock real wins that drive lasting value.

Here’s what measurable results look like:

• On-Time Delivery: With one company we helped, on-time delivery went from 66% to 99% while getting rid of a shift or overtime expenses. Companies deliver faster and do it with lower costs and less strain on their teams.
• Faster Financial Close Cycles: Month-end used to take 10 days. Now it takes three or six days. Faster financial reporting gives companies faster insights that support quicker decisions, with less time chasing numbers.
• Cost and Margin Visibility: ERP gives them that visibility to make sure they’re improving their margins. Instead of guessing where money is made or lost, businesses can see it clearly and take action to improve it.

Lean Manufacturing in Action: Real-World Process Improvement

Software alone doesn’t fix a business. True change comes from getting hands-on, building trust with teams, and improving how work happens every day. Lean manufacturing is more than a theory. It’s how we drive measurable results and lasting improvements.

Not Just Software—Shop Floor Collaboration

In one instance, we had a customer where we were talking about five best which is cleaning up the shop floor and making it more of a better layout and by having tools ready at your disposal. It’s simplifying everything. And our people actually got in the bats and helped them clean it to show that we’re in this with you as partners.

Another time, we had a client where no one on second shift spoke English. We brought in Spanish-speaking support and changed the company culture. By meeting people where they are, in their language, on their shift, we helped build trust, teamwork, and force for change.

Tools Like 5S and Kanban

5S helps clean up the shop floor and simplifies everything. This simple concept is integral when people can find what they need quickly and work without unnecessary steps or clutter.

Kanban helps replenish inventory before it runs out. Think of toilet paper. You don’t want to wait until it’s gone. You always have the next one ready, so the operation keeps moving without delays or downtime.

Continuous Improvement Beyond Implementation

Going live is just the beginning. The real goal is building a system and a partnership that drives measurable results and continuous improvement. When companies keep making small, meaningful changes, they create long-term energy that powers their growth for years.

Customers Come Back for More

People that keep coming back to us for continuous improvements are the ones who see the true value. ERP is a platform for ongoing success, not just a one-time project. When customers trust us to keep helping them optimize and grow, it shows the strength of the relationship and the impact of the work we’ve done together.

Projects Measured by Meaningful Impact

We manufacture references. Every project we take on is measured by the customer’s success, not just by going live. If we do our job right, customers are excited to talk about their results, and they’re ready to do even more to keep improving their business.

Choose a Partner Who Builds with You, Not Just for You

Choosing an ERP partner is more than getting through a project. You want to build a lasting relationship. We do more than just implement software. We help companies improve their business, strengthen their bottom line, and grow their top line.

One of the best examples is when we help a company with process improvement, and a year later, they come back and say, “We want to work with you for ERP.” That’s when you know the work made a true impact. That’s the kind of partnership we aim to build every time.

Ready to start building a stronger future for your business? Get a free ERP assessment today.